“You’re free to make whatever choice you want but you are not free from the consequences of the choice.” Unknown
This statement reminds me of I Corinthians 10:23-24 (NIV), “I have the right to do anything, you say—but not everything is beneficial. I have the right to do anything—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.”
We’re in charge of our own bodies. Everyone. Little kids. Teenagers. Adults. If you don’t believe me, try taking care of a stubborn infant or toddler. You can physically pick them up and put them in their cribs, but you can’t force them to go to sleep. You can try sticking a bottle in their mouth or food in front of them on a plate, but you can’t force them to chew and swallow. You can make the atmosphere optimal for going to the bathroom, but they will only go when (and if) they want to.
We’re in charge of what we do and what we don’t do. But with that freedom comes consequences. If we choose to exercise and eat healthy, more than likely we’ll lead an active life well into our elderly years. If we choose to abuse our bodies with excess sugar or other substances that are harmful, eventually those choices will show up in our health as well.
But I want to ask you a question. Are you a daughter/son? Are you a mother/father? Are you a sister/brother/aunt/uncle/cousin/friend/coworker? Then do you really have the freedom, and the right, to make whatever choice you want, knowing there are consequences to the choices you’re making?
Trust me, I’m speaking to myself this morning. I’ve shared multiple times here about my mountain of emotional eating. As I’m walking toward freedom, real victory in this area, I have been asking myself the question, “Do I really have the right to make whatever choice I want because the consequences will catch up with me?” Is that fair to my husband? My children? My parents? In-laws? Sister? Friends? Coworkers?
The statement above hit me hard today, and I thought maybe you’d like to consider it in your own life. While everything is permissible, not everything is beneficial.
What is one area in your life that you have the freedom to make whatever choice you want, but those consequences might cost someone else in your life a price they aren’t ready to pay? Are you willing to bring that choice to God and ask for His help to walk in freedom from that choice? If not, what’s stopping you? If yes, know that I’m here to encourage you to keep walking toward freedom. It’s worth it!
© Cheri Swalwell 2021