Wise Choices

 

By Ava Pennington—

I’ve made some foolish choices in my life, some small and some huge. Without exception, each one led to regret and a long list of “If only’s….”

For many years, I defaulted to the human excuse. “I can’t help it. I’m only human.” But that was a lazy rationalization. Of course I’m human. Isn’t everyone?

That’s the precise reason we celebrate Christmas. God’s Son became human so that He could face every human temptation and remain sinless. Then He went to the Cross to pay, not for His sin, but for mine…and yours.

Faith in Christ means our past sins are covered by His substitutionary sacrifice. It also means we have the power to say no to today’s temptation. We’re no longer a slave to our sin. We answer to a new Master now.

Obedience is a choice. An intentional choice. And every choice makes the next one that much easier. Not easy, just easier.

Thankfully, the older I become, the more my sensitivity to God’s Spirit develops. Not because I’m especially smart, but because step by step and day by day I’m learning to respond to His promptings and nudges. Sometimes it’s a warning from His Word. Other times it’s a thought. It might be through a conversation with another Christian…or even a non-Christian. I’ve found that when God wants to direct me, He’ll use whatever He needs to get my attention.

Does this mean I always make the right choice now? I wish that were so. Someday, when I’m in the presence of the Lord, I won’t even have to deal with temptation. Until then, life is a series of choices.

“For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace. What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means! Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance” (Romans 6:14-17).

 

 

 

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Ava Pennington is thoroughly enjoying her second career as an author, teacher, and speaker. Originally from New York City, she relocated after a 20-year corporate career as a Human Resources executive. But don’t call her retired. In addition to writing and speaking, she teaches a Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) class of 150+ women from September through May each year.

Her newest book, Daily Reflections on the Names of God: A Devotional, is published by Revell and endorsed by Kay Arthur, founder of Precepts Ministries International. Ava has also written articles for magazines such as Power for Living, Called, and Christianity Today’s Today’s Christian Woman. She has been published in 25 anthologies, including 18 Chicken Soup for the Soul books.

Ava is grateful for her husband, Russ, their marriage of 35+ years, and their home in south Florida. She is a passionate speaker and teacher, and delights in challenging audiences with relevant, enjoyable presentations. For more information, visit www.AvaWrites.com or contact her at Ava@AvaWrites.com.