What Will You Choose?

“What are those gloves?” My husband asked.

I have a really nice pair of running gloves. But I wasn’t wearing them. My running gloves are made from some thin athletic material designed so your hands won’t sweat in them, but during Ohio winters with ice and snow and wind chills and single digits, they don’t do the best job of actually keeping my hands warm. But they’re cool, right? 

This particular freezing November day my husband was waiting outside, and I couldn’t find my running gloves, so I grabbed a poofy pair from our crate that houses miscellaneous hats and gloves. These gloves weren’t cute or sleek, thus my husband’s question. But they were warm. So, I wore them the next day and the next. I prefer sunshine and eighty degrees for a run, but even when it’s cold, I’d rather be outdoors than in. And so, I bundle up and breathe in the fresh, and extremely crisp air all winter long. For years this has left me with numb fingers. 

Until now. 

I’ve said, “no” to my athletic gloves and “yes” to the ugly, giant black gloves that keep my hands warm.

And it’s been a game changer. 

Sometimes improving our lives is this simple: saying, “no” to one thing and “yes” to another. The Holy Spirit, who always has our best interests in mind, often suggests we make these kinds of game changing decisions. He won’t tell us we have to change–He’s not bossy like that. No, He’ll whisper something like, “Would you watch that show if I was sitting next to you on the couch?” Or “Why don’t you take a deep breath before you say anything. Maybe step outside for a minute?” Or “Do you need another one (fill in the blank: piece of pie, glass of wine, pair of leggings).” And then we get to choose.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:24-27 (NIV):

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

God gives us free will. We get to choose if we’ll stand strong or fall apart. We can still watch that show and be exposed to potentially dangerous images, say something nasty that could damage a relationship, and overindulge in something that’s bad for our bodies or souls. That’s our choice. I could still wear the sleek, cool running gloves, too, and have numb fingers. That’s my choice. 

See where I’m going here?

Sometimes the things of this world look glamorous. Sometimes they’re just quick fixes or easy ways to numb our pain, exhaustion, sadness, or fear. But they’re not always the right things. Jesus always is.

Please hear me. There’s nothing wrong with watching Netflix, speaking up, indulging in dessert or buying a new outfit. But when, in our heart, we feel the Spirit cautioning us against those things, when He offers us something different, we should perk up our ears and listen. Jesus said, “whoever hears these words of mine and puts them into practice.” If we hear Him, we should follow His instructions. The NLT translates it, “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it…” 

Are we following Jesus’s instructions? Are we putting them into practice?

Those impulses to indulge in images, people, words or things we know are unhealthy for our bodies or souls–that pull us away from Jesus–often seem like the right move in the moment. They seem sleek or snazzy or simple or satisfying. Who wants to wear the ugly man gloves that look like they were made to do construction work in Alaska when you own a pair from the bougie athletic apparel line? 

I do. Because it actually improves my life. 

The more time I spend with Jesus, the more often I hear His voice and recognize His nudges. It’s interesting, because actually following the Spirit’s suggestions doesn’t always look super chic or cool. My new “running gloves” sure don’t. But who cares? I’d rather build my life on Him. I’d rather experience grace and love and real inexplicable joy than watch the meaningless things I picked instead come crashing down around me. Basically, I’d rather say no to the cool gloves and yes to the warm ones.

What is God prompting you to say, “yes” or “no” to today? Will you listen to Him? Will you put His words into practice?

—Written by Laura L. Smith. Used by permission from the author. Click here to connect with Laura.