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Psalm 119:73-80
י Yodh

Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands. May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word. I know, LORD, that your laws are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me. May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight. May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause; but I will meditate on your precepts. May those who fear you turn to me, those who understand your statutes. May I wholeheartedly follow your decrees, that I may not be put to shame.

The world is full of choices. Food fills the shelves of the grocery store. Entire aisles are filled with candy to satisfy my sweet teeth (I have more than one). Cable television provides a menu of shows every hour of the day. There is no end to what I could watch. Smartphone apps bring choices to my fingertips. Within five minutes I can check social media, current news, and the weather forecast.

Sometimes the “Culture of Choice” follows me to God’s Word. I like some commands but not this one. This instruction seems reasonable but not this one…at least not for today. I like this truth of theology, but this one is hard to grasp. Therefore, I choose what is most convenient and ignore the others. The “Culture of Choice” is a dangerous companion when considering God’s Word.

Like the psalmist we must be people intent on following God’s Word “wholeheartedly.” We cannot pick and choose what sounds best at the moment. God does not include optional obedience in His love letter to us. All Scripture (not just some) is inspired by God. All Scripture is to be read, studied and applied. The “Culture of Choice” is no friend to God’s holy instruction.

Father, like the psalmist, may I wholeheartedly follow Your decrees, that I may not be put to shame. In Jesus’ name. Amen.