You may recall some of the popular game shows from back in the day where the contestants would claim a prize by opting to see what was behind door numbers 1, 2 or 3. Those games were always exciting because the audience would be screaming out which door they believed would contain the brand-new car, while the contestant stood onstage nervously pondering their decision. It was truly a mind game because the contestant would have to decide whether they would listen to the screaming audience, their own reasoning, or the “advice” the game show host would offer. In very rare instances, the contestant would choose correctly and would walk away with that brand-new car or dream vacation, but in many more occasions, the “grand prize” ended up being something less desirable like a frying pan. Now, suppose you were on that same game show and you had to choose which door you would open. Whatever door you choose would have a major impact on your life going forward. Suddenly, the spotlight is on you and it’s time to make a decision. The crowd begins to scream out their opinion and your insides reel with anxiety because your next move is absolutely critical…but then suddenly, out of nowhere, the game show host interrupts the show and announces which door contains the prize you desire. Perhaps a bit skeptical, you consider the information for a second and decide to go with it, because you really have no idea what to do. To your amazement, the prize behind the door is exactly what the host said it would be and you leave the show feeling completely satisfied.

“…I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curses; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live.” Deuteronomy 30:19

In this text, God is providing us with two options. Behind “Door #1” is life and blessings. Behind “Door #2” is death and curses. But instead of playing mind games and making it hard for us to decide which to choose, God tells us exactly what to do. He clearly says to choose life! But it’s up to us to decide whether or not we will listen to the screaming studio audience (other people, society), our own flesh (human reasoning, understanding and rationale) or choose God (the Lord of Hosts)…The spotlight is on us, and the decision is now ours to make.

So, what exactly does it mean to choose life? Of course we all desire to live on earth as long as we can, but God’s definition of life is not just breathing in and out. It’s a life of abundant joy in this life and in the next. I’m so grateful that God was gracious enough to not just stop there with His guidance. The Bible clearly describes how we should obtain this life that God has for us once we decide to choose it. The first step to choosing life is to realize that we need Jesus and to accept Him as our personal Lord and Savior and the Forgiver of our sins. Once we are saved, we must rely on the Holy Spirit to guide and lead us into a life of submission to His word and a deeper relationship with Christ.

Deuteronomy 30:20 tells us that the Lord God is life and that we must cling to Him in order to experience life to the full. In Him, we find true and everlasting joy, peace and prosperity. Without Him, life may seem great on the surface, but deep down on the inside, it’s a completely different story. I know because I’ve tried to live on my own reasoning and ability, and I came up short.

“But if your [mind and] heart turn away and you will not hear, but are drawn away to worship other gods and serve them, I declare to you today that you shall surely perish, and you shall not live long in the land…” Deuteronomy 30:17-18 AMP

When I attempted to live life on my own terms, I found this verse to be entirely true. While managing to keep one foot in the sanctuary, I chose to think things that were not pleasing to God, I began to accept societal norms and my attention eventually shifted from serving God to being acceptable to people. Suddenly material things and status became my focus and God was no longer Lord in my life. The end result is clearly written in the second half of that verse, and I became frustrated because I wanted to hear from God but I couldn’t hear a thing. I even had the audacity to consider that perhaps there was no God because I couldn’t hear Him. But He was there all along, waiting patiently for me to come back to my senses and follow Him. My inability to hear and experience Him was my fault and it took some time for me to accept that.

One thing we must remember when deciding what we will choose is that this decision is not just about us. The last phrase in Deuteronomy 30:19 says that we should choose life so that “you and your descendants may live.” This thing has generational consequences. When we choose to live poor, ungodly lifestyles, we lead generations behind us down that same path. Sometimes, our children can end up paying for the poor decisions we have made. We may even know that what we’re doing is wrong, but we tell others to “do as I say, not as I do.” How effective is that? People need examples of righteous living. People need to see the fruit of righteous living. God places that responsibility on His children. One of the most critical ways we can demonstrate righteous living is by the words we speak. The Bible addresses our speech countless times because our words literally have the power to build up and tear down other people, including ourselves. Proverbs 18:21 shows us that  what we say is directly linked to how we live. Ask yourself, are your words demonstrative of great faith in God, or are you merely Satan’s mouthpiece? Right words spawn from right hearts so ask God to examine your heart constantly and show you where you fall short. God has given us the ability to control our words and thoughts so it’s time for us to begin to use this power. Finally, God wants ALL of you. He is not satisfied with a piece of you on Sunday morning. God wants your whole heart, your thoughts, your body and everything else that involves you. He wants to give you His eternal life, His peace, and His grace to do all the things that He has called you to do. So, the offer is officially on the table. The live studio audience is screaming out their opinion. Your human reasoning begs for your attention. God has already provided the answer. The spotlight is on you now. You decide.