Choices

For those who follow NBA basketball, this has been known as “The Summer of LeBron”. Superstar, LeBron James, whose contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers has come to an end, has been deciding which of the many teams who have been courting him, will be his choice for the 2010/2011 season. On July 8, during an hour-long ESPN special, the waiting came to an end. LeBron James chose the Miami Heat, which according to many who make predictions, may mean two or three championships for the Heat in the next five years. Predictably, not everyone is excited about LeBron’s choice, first and foremost, the owner of his former team, Dan Gilbert, had a great deal to say. He called LeBron James “our former hero who has now deserted us”. In addition to that, Mr. Gilbert also stated that his former superstar had quit during the playoffs. 

Truly, one choice can be seen very differently, depending upon the lens through which the one giving the opinion is looking. Often, what colors that lens is how a person’s choice effects the one who evaluates it! Those who believe they will be benefited by LeBron James’ choices tend to think favorably of him and what he has done.  Conversely, those whose lot appears to have worsened due to the choice tend to look unfavorably at him.

During the earthly life of Jesus, He too made choices that were met with mixed reviews with some:

Now the tax collectors and “sinners” were all gathering around to hear him. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Luke 15:1-2

It was an amazing thing for many to see that Jesus chose to eat with those who were considered the worst of the worse. Since breaking off bread and dipping that food into a common dish symbolized a close relationship with the ones eating together, Jesus was showing His desire to reach out to the despised. That was a choice that was very unpopular with some, but those who were looked down upon were coming eagerly to hear Him. Jesus also made the choice to disobey the man-made traditions that were revered by those in authority. That brought contempt from those who hated Jesus, but to a man who had suffered for years, healing came:

Another time he went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.” Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent. He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus. Mark 3:1-6 

Jesus saw the need of the one with the infirmity for healing. It outweighed the traditions that had been put in place by those in authority.  Even those who wanted to trap Jesus in what He said knew that His choices in every area of His life weren’t made to please man or for earthly advantage:

Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are. Matthew 22:15-16

Those of us who love Jesus are challenged by His ways. In this world, we face many choices. Some involve our words. Will we speak the truth about the Savior, even when it won’t make us popular:

For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 1 Timothy 2:5

Or, will we lovingly, yet boldly, share that the Lord has given us His standards concerning what is right and what is wrong, in the Bible, and when He speaks on a matter, it is important:

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. Isaiah 5:20

ESPN will never have a one-hour special that features our choices, but we know that even if some find them foolish or distasteful, Jesus takes note of them:

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58

Father, Help us make choices that honor You. Some people will be pleased with what we do, but many will not. Help us value Your opinion above anyone else’s.