Freedom of Choice

Today we celebrate our nation's freedom - something we don't take for granted as we remember those who have sacrificed their lives for it. But there's another kind of freedom that's available to us as well. One that doesn't require a physical sacrifice, but a personal one; our freedom of choice.

Jonah used his freedom of choice when he decided to run away from God instead of obeying His command to go to the wicked city of Nineveh and warn them of their coming destruction. Jonah had grown up hating the people of Nineveh and in his mind, they deserved to be destroyed and he chose to have no part in their salvation.....first mistake.

Jonah used his freedom of choice when he offered himself as a sacrifice to calm a raging storm. Jonah had settled in on the ship headed 2000 miles opposite of the city of Nineveh when God "caught up with him!" This chose demonstrated how hatred for the people of Nineveh had warped his perspective. He was willing to die so the sailors could live but he was unwilling to obey God and take His message of life to the Ninevites....second mistake.

Jonah used his freedom of choice when he reconsidered his actions after spending 3 days and nights in the belly of a great fish. In Jonah 2, we see his prayer is one of thanksgiving; thankful for not having drowned, not a prayer of repentance. Jonah acknowledged the vow he made when he became a prophet of God and was now choosing to fulfill it - even if it meant doing something he didn't want to do.

Jonah used his freedom of choice when given a second chance, he responded to God with obedience, and went to Nineveh. His short, 8-word message, "40 more days and Nineveh will be overthrown" spoke directly to the heart of the people. They confessed, turned from their wickedness and in God's love and mercy, He spared the city of 600,000!

Jonah must have been thrilled! Afterall, he's just been a part of the largest revival in Bible history. You'd think he'd be celebrating God's goodness and thanking God for choosing him to be the one to deliver His message. In chapter 4, we see this isn't the case. Jonah is extremely angry and greatly displeased with God....third mistake.

The question to ask here is WHO needed the most transformation? Was it the hateful Ninevites or the hate-filled Jonah? Proverbs 27:19 says "As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man." Jonah's response to what God had chosen to do relected what was in his heart. And based on his actions, it was a heart full of self-centeredness, selfishness, self-pity and a lack of self-control.

God used His freedom of choice and responded to Jonah's moaning with a call for an attitude adjustment. God needed Jonah to see that his perspective and priorites were way off-base. He needed Jonah to realize, although he had the freedom of choice, God was in ultimate control. This is where the book of Jonah ends. God chooses not to tell us if Jonah ever gets the message and has a change of heart. But you have a choice - don't let your story end like this!

Are you using your freedom of choice to run away from God? Are there nasty attitudes in your life that you're choosing to ignore? Are there negative emotions that are controlling your actions? Today on Twitter, Rick Warren asked - The truth sets u free, BUT it makes you miserable until you face it. What are u pretending isnt a problem in your life?

I want to invite you to join us this month as we look at gaining FREEDOM from your hurts, habits and hangups. If you haven't signed up for my weekly e-newsletter, (delivered to your email every Weds.) use your freedom of choice and do so today! You'll receive a special thank-you bonus from me as well :) Simply go to http://www.pathfinderministries.org/purpose.html