PERSONAL PREFERENCES

One of the unique qualities of being individuals is that we can
make our own choices. And we all have our own personal
preferences; some things we like better than others. For
example, if you set a piece of apple pie and a piece of
rhubarb pie before me, there is no doubt in my mind I’m going
to pick the apple pie. Why? Because I prefer apple pie over
rhubarb. And this list could go on and on.

Unfortunately, there are many who take this same approach
when it comes to religion. However, if we truly believe that
the Bible is the word of God, obedience to His teachings are
what’s important, not our own personal preferences. Though
there have been many “gods” worshipped down through the
ages, there is but one true God (Exodus 18:11, 20:2-6). There
is only one Son whom the Father sent as Savior of the world,
Jesus (1 John 4:14). There is only one church which Jesus gave
His life for (Matthew 16:16-18; Ephesians 1:22-23). There is only
one entryway into heaven, that being through Jesus (Acts 4:12;
Matthew 7:21).

As Christians we must also remember our lives should be ones of
service and sacrifice (Matthew 20:27-28; Romans 12:1). Rather
than focusing on our own personal wants and desires, we can’t
forget that we have a responsibility to one another. As Paul tells
us in Romans 12:10, “Be kindly affectionate to one another with
brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.” Or
as he tells the saints in Philippi, “Let each of you look out not
only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others”
(Philippians 2:4). Author Jonathan Lockwood Huie summed it
up well when he said “I put aside personal preferences and
step forward to be of service.”

It can be easy at times to get caught up in the ways of
the world around us and seek our own wants or personal
preferences, but may we remember that we were purchased
with the precious blood of Jesus (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), and
abide by the inspired word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17) as the
faithful servants we are expected to be (Colossians 3:23-24).