Choices

Romans 7:18  I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.  For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.

Do you ever sit in the same spot when you frequent a place, the dinner table, a pew, a seat at a meeting, a table at Starbucks.  And when that seat is not available you feel a little awkward sitting somewhere else and when you sit there it doesn’t quite feel right. 

This week I read from 1 Samuel 15:22 where Saul had been directed by God to destroy the Amalekite people (guerrilla terrorists who continued to attack and raid Israelite camps) their animals and all their belongings.  Instead of destroying everything, Saul decided to keep the king, Agag and the best of the cattle to sacrifice to the Lord.  He made a choice that cost him his kingdom, he lost his role as king.  He chose to not fully obey the Lord, he got caught up in his own flesh and chose to bring a little glory to himself instead of fully obeying God’s orders.  

In reading this I thought about those times when I made a choice that was maybe not quite fully obeying God, but then I justified it with “good”; I’m sure God would be pleased with this decision; it’s close enough to what He wants me to do.  And I try to “outthink” God; I think this is what He actually had in mind, I’m sure He will be pleased with this outcome.  God wants our full attention, obedience and recognition.

His good and perfect will is our dwelling place, the place that brings peace, joy and reliance in Him that surpasses all understanding.  It is a place that is never awkward, it is kind of like my favorite table at Starbucks, I feel right at home.  When I’m in God’s will I always feel right at home.i