Recently in my Bible reading, I read Deuteronomy 28. This chapter of the Bible covers the curses that God will put on the land if the people did not choose to follow the law of the Lord. The scenes depict horrific conditions people will live in and begs the question, “What would happen to cause such a complete breakdown in the nation?”  Then in Deuteronomy 30:19, the Bible says this:

“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.”

The children of Israel are given a choice of life or death, and a blessing or a curse. It seems obvious that everyone would choose life and a blessing, but sadly that is not the case as we can tell from our world around us. When given the choice of life or death, a blessing and a curse, not just you but your children after you, the impact of your choice becomes very sobering.  Once my kids are involved in the possible outcome, the choice becomes clear. I choose life. I choose a blessing. 

Once the choice for life and blessings has been made, this choice then dictates your daily decisions and actions.  Simply, your choice will be evident in your life.

Choose to show kindness-–It will never be easy to show kindness when others have been unkind to you, or worse when they are unkind to those you love. However, you will never regret being kind to someone, but you will always regret speaking a harsh word. Life requires kindness, even when it is undeserved. 
Choose respect for authority-–There will always be someone in authority over you, and that is a good thing.   Respect for authority is a heart issue. When you choose to respect authority and willingly submit to that authority, much of the drama caused by the chaos of defiance is taken away.
Choose to work hard-–Life is about working hard.  Kids that learn to work (making their bed and helping around the house) are better equipped for the next thing that God has for them.  There is fulfillment in work. There are blessings in work.
Choose to share the Gospel-–Be a witness. Either go out soul winning at one of your church’s set times or carry tracts and pass them out wherever you go.  There are blessings in sharing the Gospel.

So you have a choice: life or death, a blessing or a curse.  For the sake of your children, choose life. Choose a blessing. 

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Miriam Chung, Christian School Teacher

Mrs. Chung grew up around the work of the ministry and now has the privilege of teaching at the North Valley Baptist Schools. She and her husband faithfully teach young people and are a vital asset to the ministry of NVBC.