JERRY RAAF
Choice

At first glance, we might be fooled into thinking that robots and machines possess the ability to choose. This, however, is a mirage created by advanced technology. The machines are merely performing mechanical functions in response to programming created by a programmer or technician. No thought process actually takes place.

In our age, people are encouraged to exercise their right to make their own decisions and choices – who to marry, where to live, etc. This wonderful concept is often marred when the results of these choices are far less than best. The essence of a conversation I inadvertently overheard on public transit was that “Most people are not bright enough to make good decisions.” People are either informed, uninformed or misinformed, often a combination of all three.

Yet choices are important. Without them, people would merely be robots. Choices are a privilege and a responsibility given to human beings. For instance, when you first become aware of Jesus Christ and the Christian faith, it is a privilege extended to you which requires a decision. You have to choose whether you will follow Jesus, how you will react to others, whether you will pray to God, etc.

God has not made us on an assembly line with a pre-determined mentality. He has given us His Word, the Bible, which informs us about His kingdom, His purpose and His requirements – for us individually and for humanity as a whole. It is our opportunity and responsibility to read the Bible and then make an informed decision.