The concept of choosing life in obedience to God is a central theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's life with God's commandments and teachings. This choice is presented as a pathway to blessings, prosperity, and spiritual fulfillment, contrasting with the consequences of disobedience, which lead to curses and spiritual death.

Biblical Foundation

The foundational scripture for choosing life is found in Deuteronomy 30:19-20, where Moses addresses the Israelites: "I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. So choose life, so that you and your descendants may live, and that you may love the LORD your God, obey Him, and hold fast to Him. For He is your life, and He will prolong your life in the land that the LORD swore to give to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob."

This passage underscores the covenant relationship between God and His people, where obedience to God's commandments is equated with choosing life. The choice is not merely about physical survival but encompasses a holistic approach to living in accordance with God's will, resulting in spiritual vitality and divine favor.

The Call to Obedience

Throughout the Old Testament, the call to obedience is reiterated as a means of choosing life. In the book of Proverbs, wisdom is personified and linked to life: "For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the LORD" (Proverbs 8:35). Here, wisdom is synonymous with living in accordance with God's principles, leading to a life blessed by His presence.

The prophets also echo this call. In Jeremiah 21:8, God presents a choice to the people: "Furthermore, you are to tell this people that this is what the LORD says: ‘Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death.’" The prophetic message consistently calls the people back to obedience as the path to life and restoration.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the theme of choosing life is fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus declares Himself to be "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6), emphasizing that true life is found in following Him. The call to discipleship is a call to choose life by obeying His teachings and commands.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this theme in Romans 6:16: "Do you not know that when you offer yourselves as obedient slaves, you are slaves to the one you obey, whether you are slaves to sin leading to death, or to obedience leading to righteousness?" Here, Paul contrasts the outcomes of obedience to sin versus obedience to God, with the latter leading to righteousness and life.

Practical Implications

Choosing life in obedience to God involves a daily commitment to live according to His Word. This includes loving God with all one's heart, soul, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5), loving one's neighbor as oneself (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:39), and walking in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-25). It requires a conscious decision to reject sin and embrace the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, who enables believers to live in accordance with God's will.

The choice to obey God is not without challenges, as it often involves counter-cultural decisions and sacrifices. However, the promise of life—eternal and abundant—serves as a powerful motivation for believers to remain steadfast in their commitment to God's commands.