Choices

Here’s a story—it’s only a story: A man died and found himself standing before the gates of paradise. Saint Peter told him that he could come in if, in his life, he had accumulated 1,000 points. "No problem," the man said to himself. He began, "I was an active Christian." "100 points," said Peter. "I sang in the choir." "25 points." "I was a substitute teacher once in Sunday school." "10 points." With only 135 out of the necessary 1000, the man became concerned. "I had a cousin who was a pastor and a great uncle who was a missionary." "5 points each," came back Peter’s reply. "I went to a congregational voter’s meeting." Well, that should count for something: "100 points." Unable to think of anything else, and with a grand total of 245 points to his credit, the man mumbled, "I’m not gonna’ make it. Nobody could. Only by God’s grace alone can I ever get into heaven." Listening to the man’s mumbling, Peter replied, "That’s 755 points. Come on in "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life (Romans 6:23). If faith is given to you, there is no doubt, no question, no second-guessing, no balancing scales.For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law. Romans 3:28
Our society encourages us to grab everything we can for ourselves, but God wants us to reach out and give everything we can to others. If someone wrongs you, fails to repay a debt, or doesn't return something he has borrowed from you, be merciful to him. That doesn't mean you excuse sin, but you respond to people with a heart of compassion.. Blessed are the Merciful
People all over the world are constantly looking for the better item, whether buying fruit in a market or choosing a place to live. We examine, ponder, compare, and finally make a choice based on what we believe is better. I can’t imagine anyone saying, "I’m convinced this one is worse, so I’ll take it." In Bible :Proverbs 16, we read that it is better to get wisdom than gold or silver (v.16); better to be humble among the poor than to be proud among the wealthy (v.19); better to control our temper than to rule a city (v.32). Some people have the ability to be both wise and wealthy. But when faced with a choice between the two, Proverbs says wisdom is the better alternative