I still remember that my favorite part of the school day at Carter Elementary School was recess. In the spring, all the boys met together and “chose up” sides to play softball. We had two boys who were really good athletes, so they would be the captains of the teams. They alternated choosing players until everyone was picked.

One of the captains was a little better than the other, so getting picked to be on his team gave an advantage when the game began. Unfortunately, I was always among the last to be selected. I was short and chunky, so my athletic abilities were limited at best. My probability of winning the game depended on being chosen by the best captain.

In the preceding verses of chapter 8, Paul referenced a competition in life between evil, which he called “the flesh,” and righteousness, which he defined as being of the Spirit. The result of the conflict between these factions has eternal ramifications. Those who live by the flesh die by the flesh, whereas those who live by the Spirit gain eternal life.

When I was in elementary school, winning the game depended primarily on who chose me to be on their team. I had no input as to which team I was on. Fortunately, in the struggle between good and evil today, I have a choice as to which “team” I’m on. Jesus paid the price on the cross that gives me this choice.

Every person will ultimately have to decide who they will follow. Romans 8:31 provides valuable information to help us make the most important decision of our lives: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Choose wisely. Choose Jesus! It’s a matter of life or death.

Questions to Ask Yourself

1. Remember: postponing a decision about Jesus is in fact making a decision.
2. What decision are you making today?

Missions Prayer
Pray for Mission 615 this week, as 6^th-8^th graders of our Brentwood Campus will be serving all across Nashville through missional projects. Pray for growth and gospel conversations, and for their hearts to be captivated by love for Jesus and the gospel.