Not An Option!

There are situations in life where some try to remain uninvolved because they do not want to have to choose sides. However, such is not always avoidable. There are choices that have to be made whether others like the choice we’ve made or not. Trying to please all the people around us all of the time would not only cause us to go crazy from the pressure, it is also impossible because there are many who choose what they want rather than that which is right. Also, trying to walk the line of being “politically correct” is sometimes far from being “Biblically correct”! There are not only absolutes with regard to spiritual matters, but in other areas of life as well and we need to have a willingness to stand with that which is right! Though we may like options -- and options should always be wisely considered -- there are times when we have to face the reality there is ONLY ONE CHOICE to be made!

Consider Pilate for a moment. He was a reluctant participant in the trial of Jesus. However, he had political ambitions to hold on to. (note Luke 23:12; John 19:12) Therefore Pilate -- though he had the power to release the one he himself noted as being innocent and not deserving of death ( Luke 23:4, 13-16, 22) -- tried to rest the situation in the lap of others.

We read…
“(24) So when PILATE saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he TOOK WATER AND WASHED HIS HANDS BEFORE THE CROWD, saying, ‘I AM INNOCENT OF THIS MAN’S BLOOD; SEE TO IT YOURSELVES.’” ( Matthew 27:24 ESV)

Though Pilate tried to remain NEUTRAL by washing his hands of the situation, he still made a choice that led to our Lord’s crucifixion. We know it was the plan of God, but Pilate still played a part and delivered Jesus over to be crucified. ( Matthew 27:26)

When it comes to Jesus, NEUTRALITY is not an option! Jesus holds such significance for both life now and for eternity that there is ONLY ONE TRUE CHOICE! Jesus Himself made that clear when He stated…

“(30) Whoever is NOT WITH ME IS AGAINST ME, and whoever DOES NOT GATHER WITH ME SCATTERS.” ( Matthew 12:30 ESV)

Jesus provided no ground for NEUTRALITY here! He gave no other options. He stated unequivocally it is one or the other!

At a time during our Lord’s public ministry when many who had followed turned to follow no more ( John 6:66), Jesus turned and asked the disciples a question we too ought to consider every day of our life. I love the response Peter gave on this occasion because of the firm choice it represents.

We read…
“(67) So Jesus said to the Twelve, ‘Do you want to go away as well?’ (68) Simon Peter answered him, ‘LORD, TO WHOM SHALL WE GO? You have the words of eternal life, (69) and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.’” ( John 6:67-69 ESV)

Peter in essence seemed to say that Jesus was the ONLY CHOICE! There was no one else to whom they could go for eternal life! At this crossroads in life, while many chose to depart, Peter unashamedly and unmistakably made the ONLY ONE TRUE CHOICE and that was to continue following Jesus.

We must make a concrete decision with regard to what we are going to do with Jesus because some day we will be faced with Jesus making the decision of what to do with us! (i.e. 2 Corinthians 5:9-10) What do we profess? What does our life activity declare? There is no NEUTRAL position to take!

Jesus exhorted…
“(32) So everyone WHO ACKNOWLEDGES ME before men, I ALSO WILL ACKNOWLEDGE before my Father who is in heaven, (33) but WHOEVER DENIES ME before men, I ALSO WILL DENY before my Father who is in heaven.” ( Matthew 10:32-33 ESV)

Sounds fair enough, doesn’t it? NEUTRALITY is not an option! A choice must be made. However, to consider the options there is really ONLY ONE TRUE CHOICE to be made! Our definitive choice for Jesus is a choice for us as well. May we sincerely acknowledge the reality there is no where else to turn other than to Him!

Have a great day KNOWING TO CHOOSE CHRIST IS TO CHOOSE LIFE!
Carl

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