August 26, 2013

THE EASY WAY OUT.

railroads
Should we take the easy way or the hard way? That's a question I believe we ask ourselves everyday. Sometimes with more thought and energy than others.

Should I go home the short way or the scenic way? Should I hold my tongue or say what's really on my mind? Should I read this post or should I just scroll through the photos? I'm only sort of kidding on that one.

But in all seriousness, I've realized just how often I've chosen the easy way in life--especially when it comes to sin. It's easy to choose anger, impatience, complaining, and envy. It's easy to let a few mean words slip through our lips. It's easy, isn't it?

It always seems like the easy way at first, but in the end, I've found that those easy choices really don't make life easier. And they never ever make me feel better in the end.

Do I think that God lets or wants sin to be the easier choice? No, absolutely not. But we live in a sin-filled world and part of that sin-filled world, is well, sin. I do believe that God gives us choices. The choice to choose Him, the choice to love others, and the choice to say yes to His plans.

But those choices are all too often the harder choices for me. It's hard for me to choose prayer and worship when I'm heartbroken. It's hard for me to say no to temptation. It's hard for me to ignore Satan's lies. It's hard for me to be grateful and shut my mouth when I want to complain. And it's hard for me to smile through the tears.

So why am I writing this? Because as hard as those choices are, they're the most rewarding ones in the end. While it's hard to do it, choosing gratitude is what makes me happy and it's the kind of happiness that lasts. Choosing to listen to His words strengthens me. And choosing no to temptation is what keeps me going.

Nobody ever said this life was going to be easy. Jesus didn't live an easy life, that's for sure. But His life is what saved mine. And because He lived a hard life, I'm choosing to live a my life out too, hardships and all.

16 comments

  1. Why do we always think we have to smile through the tears? Where did that come from? It's ok to cry, to be angry, to hurt... and not smile for a while. :)

    As for choices... I always like to remember this verse...

    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 and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
    (Deut 30:19-20)

    Always make the choice that brings LIFE. Can't go wrong that way. :)

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    1. I agree! I think it's totally fine to cry and be hurt--we're not perfect, after all! To me, this post was just a reminder that I have the freedom to choose, and like you said, making the choice that brings life is what's best. :)

      And I LOVE that verse! I haven't read it way too long. :)

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  2. You hit the nail on the head...SO very true about the choices we make.
    Thank you for sharing--a timely read as I finished my devotions & coffee.

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    1. Thanks, Meghan! :) Those words mean so much to me, especially coming from a wise girl like you!

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  3. Isn't this the truth! Thanks for sharing your heart, dear girl!

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    1. Thank you! It's so easy for me to choose sin, but encouraging words like yours are what always help me out! :)

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  4. Great post! I find that it is sort of the opposite for me, in times of heartbreak I cling to God and find myself making more of an effort to be close to Him... but when things are good I take that relationship forgranted. I take the easy way out and forget that that relationship is what makes things good and fulfilling. I love what you said about choosing joy and gratitude. Choosing to be happy even if you don't necessarily feel that way. Good words, girl. :)

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    1. Thanks, Angela! And I know what you mean--I find myself doing the same thing sometimes. There are definitely times when I find myself going to God when I'm sad and then there are times when I get mad instead. I, too, take my blessings for granted all the time! I think that's another really easy thing, too.

      Love your heart + your constant encouragement, girl! It's so easy for me to think that I'm the only one who struggles, but I'm not and I'm grateful for your honesty and truth. :)

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  5. Love this post KiKi. All that you said is about what we choose. We can definitely have a moment to cry but it's important to remember not to stay down we can have moments of anger but it's important not to languish there. You are right we have a chance to chose...we can chose joy. Joy will exist no matter our circumstances because its contingent on the one who saved us not on the situations in our lives. This post is a great reminder that we have the option to choose. I'm definitely not happy everyday but I choose to be joyful. Thanks for sharing your beautiful heart friend. I am so thankful for these little nuggets that God sent me here to read!!

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    1. Thank you, Charity! I, agree with you, crying is never a bad thing! For me, it's about choosing to not get stuck in that, though (like you said). :) And I love what you said about joy and how it exists no matter what we go through--we just have to choose to find it in our lives. :)

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  6. Amen Kiki. I choose the easy way out so often, with my impatience and anger.....it's so important choosing to keep a calm & gentle heart and expel grace :)

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    1. Thanks, Kristyn! I'm with you girl, patience with God's timing and those around me is definitely a struggle but like you said, choosing a gentle heart and choosing joy and grace is the best choice out there. Sometimes it's the things that are the hardest to find that are the most rewarding! :)

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  7. Wow, Kiki...That last paragraph punched me in the gut! :)
    Beautifully put!

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    1. Oh girl, I wrote this post a little while back and re-reading it again today gave me punch in the gut, too! :)

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  8. "It's hard for me to choose prayer and worship when I'm heartbroken. It's hard for me to say no to temptation. It's hard for me to ignore Satan's lies. It's hard for me to be grateful and shut my mouth when I want to complain. And it's hard for me to smile through the tears."

    These words just spoke volumes to me. These words are exactly what I feel!

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    1. Jess, that seriously means so much to me! You don't even know. :) Just knowing that I'm not alone and that other people get exactly how I feel is so comforting!

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