Choices

13“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14c“Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Matthew 7: 13 - 14 NKJV

Some who have read these posts more than a few times will more than likely notice that I a huge Star Wars fan.  I remember sitting in the theater and watching the first Star Wars film when I was younger.  After that I was hooked.  The battles, the special effects were more than enough to keep me waiting in anticipation for the next new movie release in the series.  However, one of the most compelling parts of the Star Wars storyline over the years may have more than a few implications for we who call ourselves christians.  That is the ultimate struggle between good and evil.  The fact that those who commit wrong will be judged while the righteous are rewarded.  From the very begining we are made witness to this struggle in the bloodline of Luke Skywalker, one of the main characters.  For in the heredity of the young Skywalker is the geneology of the Jedi Knights, descrcibed by old Ben Kenobi as "The guardians of truth and justice in the galaxy."  Defenders of all that is good while dealing swift justice to those who would commit evil.  However, soon we are introduced to the concept of our freedom to choose.  I'm not sure if this was George Lucas' original intent for his storyline, but it fits in all too well with how we should see how our choices affect not only ourselves but those around us.  For young Skywalkers father was indeed one of the revered Jedi Knights.  That is, until he chose a different path.

23By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s command. 24By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin.
Hebrews 11: 23 - 25 NKJV

In Matthew 7, Jesus tells those gathered around Him to enter through the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction.  As Christ tells us, that choice to either accept God or deny Him lies totally with us.  This freedom of choice is one that sets us aside from the rest of our Lords creation.  For we, as the crown jewel of all He created, have that ability to choose Him...or deny Him.  I have always found it interesting that we were created in Gods image, and yet we have the ability to ultimately deny He who created us.  Don't get me wrong, I can see how He wouldn't simply want robots without any choice for His children.  I can think of no better expression of love and devotion than a child who freely chooses to love ones parents.  So it is with us.  In the end, we ourselves are offered the very same choice that the young Skywalkers own father was given.  That choice to choose good...or evil.  Don't get me wrong, that freedom to choose has absolutely no bearing on our DNA.  For as Adam and Eve were created in the very image of their own creator, so it is with us as well.  Despite whatever choices we ultimately make, our heavenly Fathers presence will forever be upon us.  We are His creation, and His children.  Despite the choices the young Skywalker made, he would forever be his fathers son.  I could go on and on of the virtues of choosing good over evil, but ultimately it is we who will make that final decision.

"Fear is the path to the dark side.  Fear leads to anger.  Anger leads to hate.  Hate leads to suffering."
~Yoda~

~Scott~