Choosing a Side
First published March 28, 2019.
We make many decisions on a daily basis, such as what to drink, what to eat, what clothes to wear, and how to respond to questions and situations. There are also decisions about certain moments in our lives, i.e. what to do at this moment, and then there are those decisions that we must make that dictate how we live our lives. We must choose a side.
Do we choose to be on the side of good or on the side of evil? Do we choose to stand with God or with the devil. Do we choose to turn a blind eye or do we stand up for justice? Do we choose sin or do we relish in love and communion? Do we choose life or do we choose death? We can not be in between on these matters. As Christians we know we belong to God and to His love, but do we choose to be so?
It is essential that we know what we choose because that will dictate how we will live our lives. If we choose the side of good and life, then our actions will be directed towards that. However, if we choose the side of evil and death, then our actions and decisions will lead to destruction and hopelessness. We must choose a side and hold fast to that decision, and live each day safeguarding it. Hopefully we will choose to stand with the side of good and life because only then will we find joy and fulfillment. As Scripture tells us, our God is the God of the living and not of the dead. We were created for life. Jesus came to give us life, and for us to have it to the full. We are a people of life. We are such because we are created in the image and likeness of God, who is love and life. Though death entered by the sin of man (Adam), life and eternal life was won for us by Jesus.
We are by nature made for the good and made for life. We must know that. We must believe that. There is only one life - Jesus: "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through me" (Jn. 14:6). Our Lord tells us in today's Gospel reading: "Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters" (Lk. 11:23). If we choose life, we choose to stand with Christ. If we choose to stand with Christ, we will remain steadfast and unwavering even in the midst of trials and tumultuous waves for we will be united to Him and in Him. In remaining with Christ and being united with and in Him we will have life, joy, peace, hope, and love.
What is your decision? Will you stand united with Christ? Choose Christ, choose life. Let us ask God for the grace of courage and fortitude to remain steadfast in our resolve to stand with Christ.
