The Choice That Shapes Your Destiny

I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.
Philippians 3:8

When Jesus Christ confronts an individual, choices are inevitable. The rich man in Mark 10:17-23 chose to keep his possessions rather than follow Jesus. Centuries later, another rich man made a far different choice. Francis of Assisi set aside the inheritance that awaited him to spend his life serving Christ.

The rich man of Jesus’ day was never heard from again. Francis of Assisi is still remembered for his devotion to Christ. The choice of each man helped shape his destiny. Let this old Irish hymn guide you into the choice of a lifetime.

WALK WITH AN IRISH HYMN WRITER
Be Thou my Vision,

O Lord of my heart;

Nought be all else to me,

Save that Thou art—

Thou my best thought,

By day or by night,

Waking or sleeping,

Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom,

And Thou my true Word;

I ever with Thee

And Thou with me, Lord;

Thou my great Father,

I Thy true son;

Thou in me dwelling,

And I with Thee one.

Riches I heed not,

Nor man’s empty praise,

Thou mine inheritance,

Now and always:

Thou and Thou only,

First in my heart,

High King of heaven,

My treasure Thou art.

High King of heaven,

My victory won,

May I reach heaven’s joys,

O bright heaven’s Sun!

Heart of my own heart,

Whatever befall,

Still be my Vision,

O Ruler of all.

WALK CLOSER TO GOD
Two rich men wrestled with life-changing decisions. One concluded, “I will follow my gold”; the other, “I will follow my God.” One thought he had gained the world, yet lost his own soul; the other knew he had lost much from the world’s perspective, yet had gained far more.

What will be the end result of your decision?