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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
Do you remember the scene in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, where Indy, his attractive assistant and their arch-enemy are standing before a collection of beautifully decorated cups; any one of which is the Holy Grail, or the cup used at the last Supper and supposedly imbued with miraculous power? To save Indy’s mortally wounded father, he had to choose the right one; the German agent picking an ornately decorated one because it looked like something he imagined a king would use. Drinking from it, he immediately began to age and died a horribly wasting death right before their very eyes. The guardian of the cup blandly looked up and said, ‘He chose – poorly’. Indy, picking the one that looked as if it had been made by a carpenter as well as used by one, drank from it and hopefully peered at the guardian; who responded with dramatic effect and a smile, saying ‘You chose – wisely.’
Not all the decisions we have to make are quite that dire or decisively resolved. Yet for that very reason we must be well-grounded in our faith and knowledgeable of God’s expectations of us before we are forced to make the decisions that will inevitably influence our entire lives. Especially when there are so many strident voices vying for our attention, wanting to “help” us along our way.
The primary cause of our difficulty in making proper choices is a rather ominous one but, in Christ, one we can overcome as well. Simply put, we all possess or are possessed by a sin nature. A natural inclination to elevate our own desires above God’s wishes and everyone else’s needs. The temptation to sin being all the more powerful because it originates from within us all, for “…each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.” James 1:14 We want what we want when we want it – period. When we give in to temptation it is primarily because at that moment we wanted to sin more than we wanted not to; the sin nature being little more than selfishness. But selfishness taken to its ultimate end will lie, cheat, steal, use, abuse – even murder to accomplish its goals. The result being, “They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.” Ephesians 4:18,19 (What a vivid description of much of society today.)
We must understand that to be tempted is not necessarily sinful, as we are all tempted by various things to varying degrees. What we must learn to do is eliminate the situations we are most vulnerable to.
Thus the stage for conflict is set. “For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.” Galatians 5:17 And yet Paul’s victory came in that he knew not only the problem but was busy practicing and proclaiming the answer! “Who will rescue me from this body of death?... Jesus Christ our Lord!” Romans 7:24,25 When we realize that, “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And (that) God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out…” 1 Corinthians 10:13; we gain the strength and resolve to withstand temptation, gradually removing it from our lives. For besides the provision of salvation, we must realize that God has provided as well a means for us to change our natural inclination and desire to sin. (John 14:20 & 16:13) That in itself becomes one of those choices mentioned earlier. For even though help is offered, we have to take it up and be willing to put it to use.
“Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. Romans 8:5 The question being: What’s your mind set on? How have you decided to live in response to Christ’s sacrifice for your life? Paul’s answer being, “…I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – (which) is your spiritual act of worship.” Romans 12:1 And how do we choose to be a “living sacrifice”, an example of the effects of Christ’s substitutionary death for us? By, “… not conform(ing) any longer to the pattern of this world, but (choosing to) be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” As a result, “…you will be able to test and approve (or know) what God’s will is…” Romans 12:2 We must choose to live differently by thinking different. When we do, we will be able, “As obedient children, (to) not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 1 Peter 1:14
DC TALK recorded a song several years ago titled, “Love is a Verb”; stressing that real love should always generate a response – as love is in reality an action word. If it’s only something we say, merely an expression that lacks a “fleshing out” in genuine acts of love, then for all practical purposes, it’s useless. Much the same can be said for many of our choices! For when we choose to do or not do one thing or another – those choices create consequences – both good and bad, intended and unintended, expected and unexpected. We must, therefore, take care to respond appropriately – and wisely. If we don’t there may very well be dire consequences to our actions as well. (See 2 Peter 2:20 & Hebrews 6:46) So choose wisely, and “…choose life…” Deuteronomy 30:19
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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