You Are Your Choices
A Wise Woman knows that her actions have consequences.
I grew up in an agricultural family, so I am familiar with the concept of sowing and reaping.
For every action, there is an opposite and equal reaction.
Prov. 22:3 A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.
Prov. 31:21 Tells us that the wise woman had no fear of winter, because she had planned ahead and “all of them are clothed in scarlet.”
I once heard someone say “We reap to the flesh, and then pray for crop failure.”
It doesn’t work that way.We will reap what we sow. The Bible tells us not deceive ourselves into thinking otherwise.
- For instance, neglecting to read and study your Bible and nurture your spiritual growth will surely reap a harvest. Is it the harvest you are intending? Most likely it will be spiritual drought and instability.
- A mother who makes everything but church a priority is sowing a harvest. It is sending the message that we make an effort to spend time and energy on sports, art, ballet, music, friends and fun outings, but when it comes to getting to church on a Sunday, we can’t be bothered. Your harvest will be kids who don’t care about or value worship or the people of God.
- A mother who spends hours on the phone distracted, texting, facebooking, watching cable or anything else is sowing a harvest. Your kids are getting the leftovers of your attention and are not being intentionally trained and nurtured. You may find that along with your wasted years, your kids hearts have been captured by someone–anyone– who was interested in them. By the time you unplug, it is too late.
- Speaking harsh words to your kids and others, being a mom who “vents” until they feel better is sowing a harvest. You will reap loneliness and regret, as your children grow to keep you at an arms length distance until they can get away from you. It is also destroying those around you with your toxic words and lack of self control. In the end, you will find yourself alone with your selfishness.
Tough words, that require tough examination of our choices. Our choices determine the course of our life.
Are you deliberately taking an inventory of your life today?
Look five years down the road. Where are your choices leading you?
“You are your choices.” ~ Seneca
Linked to Courtney
“You are your choices.”
Wow. What a statement. We have the power to influence many with our actions and attitudes. We must choose carefully that we might make choices pleasing to our Father!
So glad He chose to have you stop by my blog so I could find yours! What a blessing it has been to me already!
Can’t wait to use it as a resource as I prepare for marriage over the next few months.
~ Sara
Great post. We should always remember this principle- in our family life, work, spiritual life, finances, relationships. Whatever we sow, we will reap. That’s one of God’s principles.
This is so good. Thank you. Not only are we defined by our choices but our children are also. We have a tremendous responsibility to model for them what Christ would be (and is).
Amen Sista – this is such a wisdom filled post! Thanks!
Courtney
LOVE this! Great Post!
Wow, thanks for sharing this. It really spoke to my heart today.
Beth
🙂 Completely agree.
Keri from ninetytonothing.blogspot.com
Great post! Thank you so much for sharing. I’m going to share on FB & Twitter…hope you don’t mind. 🙂
This stepped on all 10 of my toes. But I believe God set this before my eyes for a reason today. Thank you 🙂
It really revolutionized my life a few years ago when I read two related quotes in very different places: 1. Your life is the sum total of what you think about. and 2. Your life is the sum total of the choices you make.
I am continually repeating these two mantras to myself, and striving to make my thoughts and actions ones that will add up to make a well-lived life. But it’s not easy, and I need constant encouragement!
Thanks for providing that in abundance!
Anne, great quotes. That puts the onus on us, doesn’t it?
I love this post…it’s one of my favorites I’ve read from you…
It’s a hard post…
But so true.
So convicting.
Every choice a step in one direction or another.
There is no treading water or standing still.
I’ve been working on a post about that…how doing “nothing” is doing something.
Just not good…
Kara, we must be thinking along the same lines these days. 🙂
Sarah, I’m obviously not a mom yet, but this is an applicable reminder for ANY woman of God. Thanks for sharing; I needed that reminder today.