Real choices, those heart rendering, life changing moments where forks in the road are passed, are mere words until the time comes to put them into action. Then and only then will others know what your real priorities and values are. In the interim every decision, each choice, quiet acts when nobody is looking provide indicators of what is going on inside.
I struggle with life’s pain and injustice, much of it caused by the results of your and my selfish decisions in the lives of those we touch. As one reflects on the issues it is hard not to get angry and those who are innocent.
“Why should they have to suffer? And as I think about it, why should I?”
The trouble with this thought it twofold. First, who among us is totally innocent? Even if I think of the past few days is there a day or even a few hours that have passed without one selfish choice? Second, are the world’s problems my fault? If there is a Supreme Being then why can’t he or she solve the problem?
There are fair questions unless everyone is on trial. What if the conflict is really about love versus self? If that was the case then in order for love to “win” the facts would have to be absolutely clear to the universe.
I come away convinced one side is beyond questioning. Love is unquenchable, unending, and unlimited. God played out the “love” equation through Christ’s life and Self’s response to that life at Calvary. The second part of the equation is almost complete. Self’s hand has yet to be fully played and this is why you and I live in a world of pain, suffering and anguish.
The ending is clear, John recorded it. “The Twenty-four Elders seated before God on their thrones fell to their knees, worshiped, and sang, “We thank you, Oh God, Sovereign-Strong, WHO IS AND WHO WAS. You took your great power and took over—reigned!’” (Revelation 11.16, 17)
There is only one piece missing; your choice and mine.
