We’re Gonna Chalk That Up To Bad Life Choices
We are often a product of our own making. We want to cry out and blame God for our misfortune, but if we are honest, how many of our troubles spawn because of our own choices? I have watched people choose their path, walk it for a little while without crashing into that brick wall, but that borrowed or rather stolen time eventually runs out. When they hit the wall and wonder what happened, or why bad things happen to them, it’s hard to refrain from giving the honest answer rather than I have to give the sympathetic shoulder and try to navigate a path that’s lit by God. I often think back to the story of Absolom and King David. 2 Samuel 18:14 “Then Joab said, “I cannot linger with you.” And he took three spears in his hand and thrust them through Absalom’s heart, while he was still alive in the midst of the terebinth tree.”Absolom thought it would be a good idea to rise up against his father and in a coup attempt to seize control of the country. While for a short while Absolom did sit on the throne, a politician thinking he had what it took to stand up against one of the, if not the greatest military leader the world had ever seen, well, we’re going to chalk that up to bad life choices. Absolom in his foolishness got caught in the woods by his own hair, riding on an animal he shouldn’t have been on, a donkey, and when found by Joab one of David’s leading military advisors, Joab, well, you read it, a little stabby.
Absolom was considered in scripture to be beautiful which means he was well above average in appearance. He was prideful of his looks, and overestimated his abilities. He put so much focus on his pride, he honestly believed that’s all he needed. He chose his own path, and he chose the path that did not walk with God, and it led to his downfall. Even though scripture says Absolom was known for his good looks and his amazing head of hair, doesn’t mean we can skate through life thinking the world revolves around us.
Sadly I have watched so many go down dark paths as I was helpless to help or stop the train wreck that would follow. I myself was once on a dark path, my path wasn’t very long, no, it was short, and ended rather badly. A moment of weakness, allowing the Devil to influence my decisions, I was left down on the ground, clinging to life, ready to die if God willed it. I was a slave to my emotions, and I was captive, bound in my chains, and as the blood left my body, I found myself in darkness. I was away from the world, but nowhere at the same time. How the world had pushed me, and grabbed onto me, and I let the voices lie to me causing me to act in that moment of weakness. A choice however, that would forever alter my path, a choice I could never erase or undo. The reminder is with me daily of my mistakes. Thankfully because of the blood of Christ I know that my mistakes do not have to define me. I know that because of Jesus Christ my sins are washed away and made as a new slate as white as a blanket of snow.
We do not ever have to allow our past to define our tomorrow. We don’t ever have to ask ourselves if we are doomed to face a life of no hope because of our choices. We will always have to answer for what we do, and there is a price to pay for it, but Christ forgives us the moment we seek God with a heart of repentance. How blessed are we to not have to endure what Christ did to enter into Heaven? God has chosen every single one of us and we are told we belong despite our faults, despite our foolishness. I realize in my life I am a nobody, as long as I live a life without Christ. With Christ I am royalty, and I wear rags in this life so in the next I will be clothed in perfection. This life is suffering and hardships, but tomorrow will be perfection with my Abba Father. Jesus Christ makes us all someone. Jesus Christ is the one and only way to get beyond our bad life choices and find peace that we aren’t forever defined in them.
If you feel you’ve been walking down a path of nothing but bad life choices know that all you have to do is turn around. You don’t have to continue down your path. Jesus Christ will welcome you with open arms, and His love will heal you. His truth, the truth will open your eyes, and a new life awaits you. If your soul is broken, trust in Christ to mend it. If your life is in shambles allow God to put the pieces back together and use each broken piece for His glory. We all have a purpose in Christ and we all move towards the bridge of light and Jesus is the compass to guide us. WE don’t have to follow through like Absolom and we can choose to turn to God and let go of the anger, the hate, the pride we hold in our hearts. Let the blood make you white as snow, and live in the peace that comes with Christ.
The Arrow Preacher 