Introduction
Everyday you and I have tons of choices to make in life. Some will greatly effect our future and others may have no effect at all on our lives. However, those choices that will have the most effect are those choices that God gives to you and I concerning life now and after we die, eternity.
Henry Blackaby once said, “Your life is the sum of the responses you have made toward God. Once God makes himself known to you, what you do next is your decision. Your reaction reflects what you believe about Him”
I. A Choice to make
This was certainly true of the rich young ruler in Matthew. He was a young man who lived a moral life. He was rich in knowledge about the Scriptures and the laws of God. But his response to Jesus’ question, clearly showed that, although he had a head knowledge of the teachings of God, He did not know God in a personal, experiential way that could be demonstrated by a response of faith.
When God speaks to us, it will require an adjustment in your life. Now, this is a truth that can greatly affect your prayer life. Because when you and I pray, we have to be aware that if God answers our prayer and reveals His will to us, it will immediately require you to reorient your life. Each time we read our Bibles, we must be prepared to obey what God tells us through His Word.
Scripture teaches us, “Where much is given, much is required.”
Let’s think about it. Why did God use Peter and James and John so significantly to turn their world upside down? And why were others, like the rich young ruler never heard from again? Choices!
The disciples chose to believe, and their belief was proven by obedience. The rich young ruler could not bring himself to obey Jesus, and Scripture tells us that he “went away sorrowful.”
II. Our Choice to make
You see, You and I are faced with the same choice as the rich young ruler. What adjustments are you willing to make in order to respond positively to Christ?
