Sometimes life’s choices seem unclear. Sometimes it seems we must choose between better and best or bad and worse. What to do?
In Esther 3, Mordecai had to make a choice: Would he bow down to Haman in an act of apparent worship or would he remain true to the Word of God? He refused to bow to anyone other than God. It appears that his choice will cost the Jewish people the lives of their entire nation. Did he do the right thing? Should he have compromised?
Mordecai chose to worship only God.
Esther 3:2 (HCSB)
2 The entire royal staff at the King’s Gate bowed down and paid homage to Haman, because the king had commanded this to be done for him. But Mordecai would not bow down or pay homage.
Daniel chose to obey the dietary laws that God had given his people.
Daniel 1:8 (HCSB)
8 Daniel determined that he would not defile himself with the king’s food or with the wine he drank. So he asked permission from the chief official not to defile himself.
The three Hebrew Children were thrown in the furnace because they would only worship God.
Daniel 3:18 (HCSB)
18 But even if He does not rescue us, we want you as king to know that we will not serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up.”
Daniel was thrown in the lions’ den because he refused to pray to anyone other than The True and Living God.
Daniel 6:13 (HCSB)
13 Then they replied to the king, “Daniel, one of the Judean exiles, has ignored you, the king, and the edict you signed, for he prays three times a day.”
David refused to touch God’s anointed – even if it meant his life or the scorn of his men.
1 Samuel 24:10 (HCSB)
10 You can see with your own eyes that the Lord handed you over to me today in the cave. [Someone] advised [me] to kill you, but I took pity on you and said: I won’t lift my hand against my lord, since he is the Lord’s anointed.
We have a rich heritage of men and women who chose to die for their faith rather than to compromise.
Hebrews 11:36-38 (HCSB)
36 and others experienced mockings and scourgings, as well as bonds and imprisonment.
37 They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they died by the sword, they wandered about in sheepskins, in goatskins, destitute, afflicted, and mistreated.
38 The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts, mountains, caves, and holes in the ground.
Some would say that it is no longer practical to follow the Ten Commandments or The Great Commission – or any of the principles found in Scripture. These “scholars” would have you choose situation ethics. Meaning that the rules change depending upon the situation.
The Bible says that God does not change, that He cannot lie, and that He is faithful.
Lying is still lying. Stealing is still stealing. Gossip is still gossip. Cheating is still cheating. Sin is still sin. The penalty for sin has not changed.
Jesus did not come to do away with the law; He came to fulfill it. He left the beauty and splendor of Heaven where He reigned as King of All. He was born in the poorest of conditions and walked this earth for 33 years so that we might know that He identifies with our problems. He was “tempted in every way just as we are.” Jesus understands your dilemma, but He will not condone your sin. He chose to die for your sins so that you would know that there is a way out.
When you are faced with a problem that seems to have no solution, you must go to Jesus and the Scriptures in prayer. The Holy Spirit Who lives within your heart will guide you into all truth. You will find an answer. Sometimes He says wait. Sometimes He points you to Scripture and you know what you are to do – even if it is hard or someone will be hurt.
A true, practical example:
A young woman was deeply in love with a very moral and outstanding young lawyer. She did not date him because he was not a Christian. She talked with him at work every day and ate lunch with him. One day he confessed his love for her and asked her to marry him. With a heart that felt as though it would never heal, the young woman refused because he was not a Christian. The young man was very hurt and very angry. He would not speak with her at work. Finally, she found another job because the situation was too painful. She continued to pray and follow Jesus.
About five years later, the young man appeared at the young woman’s apartment; he had found the Lord. He thanked her. He said that her rejection had driven him to find answers. He had never felt such rejection before her refusal to marry him.
In the meantime the young woman had married a wonderful man and had a very happy marriage.
Later the young lawyer married a wonderful Christian lady and had a happy marriage.
The Bible expressly tells us not to unequally yoke ourselves with nonbelievers. Was it an easy choice? No. The world would have said marry him anyway; the Bible is impractical; and things will work out. Unfortunately, some Christians have followed this philosophy, and either live miserable lives or can attest to the pain of divorce. The young woman chose to follow the Scripture and the Lord rewarded her obedience.
Sometimes the “right” choice – the Scriptural choice – will cost you a friendship. Sometimes the Scriptural choice will cost you your job. Sometimes the Scriptural choice will cost you the approval of family or friends. And though the pain is sharp and uncomfortable, you will never be sorry that you chose God’s Way.
The rest of the book of Esther reveals how God worked things out in favor of the Jews and Mordecai. Mordecai did not regret that he chose God’s way.
As we read in Hebrews 11, all situations do not work themselves out on earth: Jesus was crucified, others were boiled in oil, others were burned, others were sawed in two, and others were lonely and deserted. But those who died for their faith would tell you that it was worth it. Knowing Jesus – eternal life – is worth whatever the costs.
The answer to tough choices is prayer and Bible Study. There isn’t a problem that you face that cannot be found in Scripture. All the principles are there, even what to do when you borrow something and it gets broken. God provided all that we need to live Godly lives. Jesus summed it up for us:
Love God; love people. But remember that love is not compromise. We are to offer unconditional love, not unconditional affirmation. Jesus is always first; His Ways are always best.
**Lord Jesus, give me the courage to choose to follow You in every situation that I face. Forgive me for the times that I have chosen to go the wrong way. Grant me wisdom and revelation (Ephesians 1:3) and grant me peace that passes all understanding. Amen.
