Make Choices That Positively Affect Your Life

by Rick Warren — May 7, 2017

“God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him” (Romans 8:29 MSG).

You are wonderfully complex, the Bible tells us in Psalm 139:14. To fulfill God’s purpose for you, you have to look at every dimension of your life and understand five factors that influence your identity. So far this week we’ve talked about the ways that our chemistry, our connections, our circumstances, and our consciousness affect the way we are shaped.

If these factors were like the cards you’re dealt in a card game, then the fifth factor would be your wild card. Why? Because that card represents your choices, and that card affects all of your other cards. You may not be able to control the hand you were dealt, but you can use your wild card to change the way you live your life by the choices you make.

The Bible says we are created in the image of God. No other animal was created in the image of God! Dogs have instinct but don’t know the difference between right and wrong. Elephants have no moral compass. But you get to choose to do right or wrong. The freedom to choose is humanity’s greatest blessing and also our greatest curse, because we make foolish choices that harm us and harm everyone around us.

The wild card of choice means –

  • You didn’t choose your connections, but you can make new relationships and mend or nurture the ones you already have.
  • You can choose how you respond to your circumstances.
  • You can choose to stop believing the harmful things people say to you.

    • Your character is shaped by your choices. What choices will you make today that will positively affect the rest of your life?

    Talk It Over

    • Talk about a time when you became more centered on Jesus because of a wise choice or series of choices.
    • What do you need from God today to help you overcome the difficult circumstances that keep you from making good choices? Pray, and ask God for the help you need.

    Give hope, prayer, and encouragement below. Post a comment & talk about it.