Why do we wait to be chosen in our jobs, relationships, educational paths, or even when it comes to our own health? Yes, we will attribute our health and well being to our genetics or the unfairness of life, which we seemingly have been chosen to endure.
But I argue that we are elected for greatness by God, who has already chosen to love us unconditionally the moment that we were conceived, and precious life began. Therefore, there is no reason to expect to be chosen by people, by the legacy of our genetics, or even by what some might call “just plain ole’ bad luck.” The truth is that we’ve already been chosen to experience an all-surpassing, eternal state of being, which is the love of God.
What if I don’t like my choices?
Conventional wisdom would tell us that if we don’t like the choices that are available, then change them. This is much easier stated than put into practice. In his powerful little book, Think Your Way to the Life You Want, Bruce Doyle reminds us of this simple truth about change:
…you can change only what you are willing to accept responsibility for.
I am not suggesting that any of us blame ourselves for the frustration that we have with a job, the stresses of an unbalanced relationship, or the consequences of an unhealthy association with food. To do so would cripple our intention to choose from among the best options, and adversely encourage us to settle in with those options that our perception deems as only available. What I am offering is that we accept ourselves right where we are, in that moment when we realize that a choice or series of choices no longer serve us. Accepting responsibility involves accepting ourselves without judgement or condemnation, differentiating the essence of who we are from the actions we take or life’s temporary circumstances that we find ourselves submerged in.
What if I didn’t create my choices?
One might argue that it is unreasonable to accept responsibility for sickness or for the unexplained loss of a loved one, where no reciprocity exists between cause and effect. Nonetheless, we can take ownership of the life that we do have, rather than dwelling on what we do not have or what was lost. We can accept that grief is a normal part of living and expect that everything living is subject to change. The greatest example of accepting ourselves is demonstrated by the one who loves exceedingly and eternally — God.
The love of God never changes, never fails, and never yields itself to temporary conditions that take form in everyday living. He differentiates what we do from who we are, and He accepts us where we are, regardless of how we got there. If the Creator of heaven and Earth can accept us with an unfailing love that lasts longer than life, itself, then surely we can find it in our hearts to accept ourselves and one another.
Take the next step
When we accept responsibility and when we accept ourselves apart from the things that we might have done or the circumstances that we are in, then real change can begin. When we change, our choices change. As our choices evolve, we are empowered with our God-given authority to choose.
Armed with this belt of truth, like awakened warriors, I encourage each of us to move forward, resigned from an insatiable desire to be chosen and instead, empowered for choosing. Choosing the life that we have been created to live and the grace that we have been granted to enjoy it.
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People who feel hopeless believe they have no options. But once they realize that GOD always provides us with choices, then they truly can live knowing that His plans are to give us “hope and a future.” Our responsibility is to choose what is pleasing to Him. Once again your article is really relevant and insightful. Keep inspiring your readers!
Amen! Thank you for your inspiring comment!