Capitalism, like that in the United States, fosters innovation and customization. It is fueled by constant consumption of specialized products designed to appeal to broadly, diverse markets. Thus, the society I live in has a lot of options, which can be helpful but also harmful. Here are a few examples.
- There is a variety of choices in delicious food, but not all are nutritious or good for your health.
- There is a variety of choices in stylish clothing, but some are made in factories that exploit workers or use unsustainable manufacturing processes.
- There is a variety of choices in transportation like manufacturers, models, colors, trims, and options, but not all are needed, cost-effective, or add to the longevity of the vehicle.
- There is a variety of choices in meeting people through social media, but this can lead to people misrepresenting themselves, preying on others, or not committing to strengthening relationships because it’s easy to just look for someone else online once your current partner doesn’t please you anymore.
Which Way to Go
My wife and I just returned from a backpacking trip in the Sierra Nevada mountains where we had to choose from some different options. We hiked several miles into the wilderness and camped at a few beautiful lakes. Most of our route we followed an established trail, but to explore one particular mountain peak we needed to venture off trail, making our own way to the peak. Once we left the main trail we faced several decisions regarding how to get to the mountain. As we forged our route we needed to consider safety, elevation gain and loss, energy consumption, and firm or loose terrain. We made it to the mountain and the panoramic view was worth the effort.
Jesus Is the Way
In life, whenever you break off to find your own way, you are vulnerable to choosing a hazardous route. Even though you have a lot of options and feel in control, not all the options are helpful and your sense of control can erode quickly when you encounter a storm of adversity. Fortunately, you don’t have to figure out life on your own. God created you and loves you. He knows what is best for you which is to be with him, to become like him, and to do what he does. Although there are a lot of options in life, only one leads to true life (Proverbs 3:5-6). If you live life on your own terms you are missing all God has for you now and you will die. “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death” (Proverbs 14:12). But Jesus, God the Son, came to redirect your terminal trajectory and guide you into abundant, everlasting life if you trust and obey him (Psalm 23). You cannot save yourself, only Jesus can. He proved through his message, his mission of loving reconciliation, his sacrificial death and miraculous resurrection. He taught, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).
Conclusion
Don’t continue to live for yourself. Live for God and others as he enables you. Don’t try to find your own way in this fallen world, follow the way of Jesus by faith (Luke 9:23-26). Don’t fear the unknown or worry about circumstances. Take your concerns to God and experience his divine rest, peace, and wisdom (Philippians 4:4-7). Stop carrying the burden of your sin and the impact of other’s sin on you. Confess any wrongdoing and receive God’s forgiveness and healing (1 John 1:9; James 4:7-10). Give your past and present to him and he will bring good out of what’s been bad (Romans 8:28). Give God your future. Ask him how to live rightly and rely on him to help you do what he tells you.
Note: I wrote a song about this titled, “Only with Jesus” which you might enjoy.