Choosing Jesus in a World of Choices

Introduction

- Greeting and context:

I know your lives are full of decisions - what to study, what job to take, who to hang out with, and what you believe in. It's a lot, especially now when you can find a million options with just a tap on your phone.

But here's the thing - in this crazy, option-filled world, there's one choice that stands out, and that's choosing Jesus. He's like a lighthouse in a storm, guiding us when things get too confusing. As we get into today’s talk, we’re going to see how keeping Jesus at the center of our lives helps us make sense of all these choices and leads us to a happier, more meaningful life.

So, let’s open our hearts as we open our Bibles, ready to learn how Jesus can be our best choice every day

**Part 1: The Nature of Choices**

- Reference **Deuteronomy 30:19** - "This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live."

- Discuss the concept of free will and choices, as presented in the Bible

The idea of free will and making choices is a big topic in the Bible. It's like God has given us the power to decide what we want to do in our lives. This is a special gift, but it also means we have to be careful about what we choose.

Simple Points about Free Will from the Bible

1. **The First Big Choice**: Remember Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden? They had a choice to listen to God or not. They chose not to, and that's what we call 'the Fall'. This story shows us that from the very beginning, people have had the freedom to choose.

2. **Choosing Right from Wrong**: In the Old Testament, like in Deuteronomy, God tells people they can choose a life with Him (which is good) or a life without Him (which isn’t so good). It's like saying, "If you follow my ways, things will go well."

3. **Jesus and Choosing**: In the New Testament, Jesus asks people to follow Him, but He doesn’t make them. He wants people to decide for themselves. It's like Jesus saying, "I’m here for you, but it’s your choice to be with me."

4. **Our Choices Matter**: The Bible teaches that what we decide to do is important. We are responsible for our choices. It’s like when you choose to help someone, it shows you care, but if you choose not to, it says something else.

5. **Freedom to Love God**: Free will isn’t just about deciding what to eat or wear. It's more about how we choose to live, like loving God and caring for others. It's like having the freedom to be a good person because you want to, not because you have to.

What This Means for Us

- **Making Good Decisions**: We should try to make choices that are good, kind, and show that we love God.

- **Asking for Help**: If we’re not sure what to do, we can pray, read the Bible, or talk to someone who understands it well.

- **Being Responsible**: Since we can choose, we should think about how our choices affect others and ourselves.

So, free will in the Bible is all about having the power to choose and using that power to do good things, love God, and help others.

- Illustrate how everyday choices, no matter how small, can lead us closer to or further away from Jesus.

Everyday choices, even the small ones, play a significant role in our spiritual journey. They can either bring us closer to Jesus or lead us away from Him. It's like walking on a path; every step counts, and each step can take you in a different direction. Let's look at some simple examples to understand this better.

1. **How We Speak**: Imagine you're talking with friends, and the conversation turns to gossip. You have a choice: join in or steer the conversation to something more positive. Choosing not to gossip is a small decision that honors Jesus' teachings about loving and respecting others.

2. **How We Spend Time**: Think about how you spend your free time. If you choose to read the Bible or pray for a few minutes each day instead of scrolling through social media, that’s a small choice bringing you a step closer to Jesus. It shows a desire to know Him better and to grow spiritually.

3. **How We React**: Let's say someone is rude to you. If you respond with patience and kindness instead of anger, you're following Jesus’ example of forgiveness and love. This choice, though it might seem small, reflects Jesus' character.

4. **Our Daily Habits**: Choosing to say a quick prayer of thanks before meals, being honest even in little things, or offering to help someone in need are all small choices that align with Jesus’ teachings. These actions, done consistently, can greatly strengthen your relationship with Him.

5. **How We Treat Others**: Jesus taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves. So, when you choose to be kind, to listen, or to offer a helping hand, even if it’s just holding a door open for someone, you're living out Jesus' commandment. These acts of kindness can have a ripple effect, showing Jesus’ love to others.

In conclusion, every choice, no matter how small, is like a step on a path. When you make choices that reflect Jesus' teachings, you take steps towards Him. And just like in a journey, every step, every choice, adds up and determines where the path leads. So, in your daily life, remember that these small choices are important in your walk with Jesus.

**Part 2: The Distractions of the World**

Young adults today face a lot of things that can distract them from their faith and values. Here are some of the big ones:

1. **Social Media**: Spending too much time on social media can make you feel like you're not good enough or you have to be like others. It's important to remember that real life isn't just what you see online.

2. **Peer Pressure**: Sometimes friends or people your age might push you to do things that don't match up with your beliefs. It's okay to stand by what you believe in, even if it's different from what others are doing.

3. **Trying to Be Successful**: There's a lot of pressure to be successful in school, work, or other areas of life. But remember, being successful isn't just about making money or being famous. It's also about being a good person and following Jesus.

4. **What Society Says**: The world around us often has different ideas about what's important, like being rich or famous. These ideas might not always fit with Christian teachings.

5. **Doubts and Fears**: It's normal to have questions or worries about your faith, especially when you're young. But don't let these doubts take you away from Jesus.

It's not always easy, but try to focus on what Jesus teaches and not get too caught up in these distractions. Remember, your worth comes from being loved by Jesus, not from what the world says.

- Cite **Matthew 6:24** - "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other."

- Discuss the importance of understanding where our loyalties lie and how they shape our actions and decisions.

**Part 3: Jesus as the Ultimate Choice**

Choosing Jesus over chasing things like money, popularity, or cool stuff is really important for finding true happiness. Imagine you could have everything in the world – all the money, fame, and things you want. But what if getting all that meant you lost what really matters, like being kind, honest, and feeling at peace inside? That's what Jesus talks about in the Bible, in Matthew 16:26, when He asks, "What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet lose their own soul?"

This means that even if you get all the cool stuff in the world, it won’t make you truly happy or give you real peace inside. But when you follow Jesus, you get a special kind of joy and peace that lasts forever, not just for a little while like when you get new toys or gadgets. Following Jesus is about feeling good inside, knowing you’re loved, and doing the right thing, not just having a lot of stuff.

So, choosing Jesus is like choosing to be happy in a really deep and lasting way, way more than just having fun or getting things. It's about having a happy heart and feeling good about life, no matter what you have.

- Share personal stories or testimonies about choosing Jesus in difficult circumstances.

**Part 4: Practical Ways to Choose Jesus**

- Choosing Jesus every day can be done through simple, practical steps. It's all about making choices that bring you closer to Him and reflect His love in your life. Here are some ways to do that:

1. **Prayer**: Start and end your day with a conversation with Jesus. It doesn't have to be formal or long. Just talk to Him about your day, your worries, and even your joys. This helps you stay connected with Him.

2. **Bible Study**: Spend a little time each day reading the Bible. You can start with just a few verses or a chapter. Think about how these words can guide you in your daily life. There are also lots of apps and online resources that can help make this easier and more relatable.

3. **Fellowship with Other Believers**: Hang out with friends or join a group who also want to grow in their faith. Being around others who share your beliefs can encourage you and help you stay on track.

4. **Service to Others**: Look for ways to help people around you. It could be something small like helping a neighbor or volunteering somewhere. When you help others, you're showing Jesus’ love in action.

It's also good to take some time to think about your choices each day. Ask yourself if what you're doing is bringing you closer to Jesus or taking you away. Remember, it's the little choices that add up to big changes in your life.

In the Bible, in Joshua 24:15, it says, "But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." This means making a conscious decision to follow Jesus and live by His teachings, not just sometimes, but every day. By doing this, you're choosing a life that's full of meaning and purpose, a life that honors Jesus.

**Conclusion**

- Reiterate the importance of making Jesus the central focus in their lives.

- Offer a prayer of commitment and guidance, asking for strength and wisdom to make choices that honor God.

- Close with encouragement and an invitation to discuss further or seek spiritual guidance.

Key Points to Emphasize:

1. **Every Choice Matters**: Small daily decisions can have a significant impact on our spiritual journey.

2. **Worldly Distractions vs. Eternal Value**: Highlight the contrast between temporary pleasures and the everlasting joy found in Christ.

3. **Jesus Offers More**: Emphasize that what Jesus offers goes beyond what the world can give - peace, purpose, and eternal life.

4. **Living Out the Choice**: Encourage practical ways to live out their commitment to Christ in everyday life.

Conclusion

End with an invitation for personal reflection, encouraging the young adults to consider their current priorities and how they can actively choose Jesus in their daily lives. Offer prayer and support for those who are struggling with this choice.