Choosing Eternity 

   “What we get afterward we choose here; and what we reap there we sow here.” (St. Augustine) 

   I often write about our free choice and what it entails.  It always amazes me that God gave His creation the ability and the right to say “NO!” to His plan.  And yet, without free will and the right to choose, our life would be that of a slave.  God does not want slaves, He wants us to make the conscious choice to love Him and follow His will.

   Every day of our life we make choices that will impact our eternal soul.  We choose to avoid sin or to submit to it.  Most days we do some of both for we are a sinful people.  Though we may try as hard as we can, we will never completely avoid sin.

   God recognizes our efforts to avoid sin and will strengthen us in those efforts.  But we must cooperate with Him; we must consent to His will and strive to live our life accordingly, though we know we will fail at times.  Only then can we expect the help promised.

   Eternity will come to each of us when this life is over.  What that eternity will consist of, joy and happiness, or pain and sorrow, is entirely up to us.  Those who rely on themselves, and earthly joys and pleasures will never know the kingdom of God.  Those who recognize Christ in everyone they meet, who feed the hungry, clothe the naked, caring for others as they would care for Christ Himself, will be welcomed into the kingdom the Father has prepared for those who love Him.