Michael Nelson, author of the book, “Good Choices Good Life” says, of all the factors that determine success in life, none is more important than the choices we make. Our choices determine our destiny. Yes, occasionally, we can be forced to act contrary to our desires, but for the most part, we make our own decisions and they determine our destiny. When Adam and Eve chose to live independent from God, they became alienated from God and took the entire human race with them. Fast-forward to Satan’s temptation of Jesus in the wilderness, found in Matthew chapter 4 Satan appealed to Jesus’ human desires—for food, power, and the material goods of the world without suffering—the same desires we have. Instead of yielding to Satan’s offers, Jesus chose to say no to the Devil and yes to obeying His Father. By choosing to obey His Father, He became our Savior, Lord, and our Model for living today. We’re faced with similar choices as Jesus—to satisfy our human desires without taking God into account. Yet when we choose to obey our Lord, we win. By His obedience Jesus showed us the path to significance and fulfillment in both this life and the next.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
