We’ve all played a game of “This or That” either as a child or at a bridal shower.

The question of “Vanilla or Chocolate” is one that usually stumps me because when it comes to ice cream, it truly depends on whether it’s soft serve or not. Other questions are easier to answer like “Cats or Dogs” and despite my allergies I’d say dogs, without question! 

Now, if we were to ask the question of “Life or Death,” I would dare to say that the vast majority of people would choose life. That would be a no brainer. 

However, a better question to propose would be ‘Death or Christ’ because Jesus is where true life is found. 

The book of Proverbs speaks to this. It is a compilation of sayings that are meant to give the reader counsel on a wide range of subjects like finances, friendships, marriage, parenting, business management, and the list goes on and on.

The author begins the book by sharing the purpose of these sayings.

“For learning wisdom and discipline; for understanding insightful sayings; for receiving prudent instruction in righteousness, justice, and integrity; for teaching shrewdness to the inexperienced, knowledge and discretion to a young man” -Proverbs 1:2-4.

The reader is then called to action in verses 5-7 as she is called to listen, increase in learning, grow, and most importantly, fear the Lord. In our obedience to the author’s God-given wisdom we can avoid the road to destruction and death, and instead, choose life. 

How do we unconsciously choose death?

With our Actions

While we might never overtly choose death, there are subtle ways in which we can end up doing so. Proverbs 5:23 says, “He dies for lack of discipline, and because of his great folly he is led astray.” This chapter in Proverbs is a father’s warning to his son against adultery. There is truth in this last verse in that lack of discipline does us more harm than good. Sometimes I prioritize the wrong things and end up scrolling through my social media accounts instead of reading through my Bible plan or praying. Maybe lack of discipline looks like putting off studying for a test or binge watching a show instead of going for a run. When we lack discipline we can slowly move away from things that will bring Glory to God. 

With our Words

In every interaction, we have the choice to speak honestly and humbly. We read examples of the gossip (Proverbs 26:22), a liar (Proverbs 26:28) and the prideful (Proverbs 27:1). Perhaps less overtly, is the one who hates his enemy but uses his lips to “harbor deceit in his heart” (Proverbs 26:24). All of these use their words for the destruction of themselves and others. These are only a couple of ways we can be ensnared to go down the wayward path.

So how do we avoid death and choose life in Christ?

We see a few examples in the book of Proverbs in which reveering the Lord and holding on to His word adds days to our lives. As the father warns his son against adultery, he reminds him in Proverbs 7:2 to “keep my commandments and live.” Although a short verse, it is a pattern we see throughout the entirety of the book.

Keep His Teachings

The same father who admonishes his son to run from sin encourages his son to listen to his father’s counsel.

“My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.” (Proverbs 3:1-2). 

We all come from different home structures and maybe your parents are believers or maybe you grew up in different homes as a foster child, odds are your parents’ advice to you throughout your life varied. As much as they might have tried to instruct us in good, we should strive to line up their teachings to God’s word. These are the words we should keep in our hearts and minds as we make it our aim to thrive spiritually in our lives.

Fear the Lord 

More outwardly, we can choose to live lives that demonstrate our honor for the Lord. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. For by me your days will be multiplied and years will be added to your life.” (Proverbs 9:10) Even when life gets hard , if you put in a lot of effort to obey and love the Lord, He will see that and He longs to work with you and me as we aim to submit to His ways.

We are blessed to have a powerful God who has given us His word to guide us out of death and into life. Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10

What have you been choosing?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Meagan Gutierrez is a kindergarten teacher in New York City. She is married to her best friend and together they love to travel and eat good food. In her spare time, Meagan loves to serve others and enjoys reading!