Free to Choose, but...

As created beings we have been given the freedom to choose. There are countless choices we can freely make within the scope of our abilities and resources. However, we aren't free from the consequences of our choices. The choices we make produce certain results... certain outcomes...certain consequences. The outcomes are relational to the quality of choice we make. Better choices will yield better outcomes. Poorer choices will result in poor consequences.

We can see how this is true simply by thoughtfully examining choices we (people in general) make. Consider the following examples of poor choices. If a person continually drinks to excess, they become an alcoholic. If a person indulges in drug use, they become an addict. If a person pursues a life of crime, they become incarcerated. Those are the more obvious habits to spot. Other behaviors take on a more normal appearance. For example, the ruthless business man, who is always looking to scam someone for his next big deal. He becomes obsessed with his own success. His business is all that matters to him. The millionaire who spends his wealth attempting to satisfy every desire. He becomes greedy, always wanting more, insensitive to the needs of others. In these scenarios, not only is the individual affected,  but they also everyone else associated with consequence of that choice.

How do better choices affect us and others? Let's consider these. If you become aware of a family in need of food, and you choose to help, that family situation improves. If there is any type of fund raising effort, for what you consider to be a worthy cause, and you participate, you've moved that effort forward. If some one's character is being slandered, and you step in to prevent it, you've saved someone's reputation.

The examples of poor choices are ego based actions. I want to get drunk, I want to get high, I want more money etc. No thought or consideration is given to others or how it will affect them. The examples of the better choices are selfless acts. Helping the family in need, giving to the fund raising event, defending someone who is defenseless. These actions make us helpful, kind, compassionate, generous. These actions help us grow in spirit.

The above scenarios show us that we own our choices and become what we do. They show us that our choices and actions affect us and many others. As scripture says " whatever a man sows, that will he also reap".If we become attached to the physical world, we grow our own egos and have difficulty comprehending the spiritual. When minimize ego and choose to give consideration to others we grow in spirit and are able to move toward our true purpose.