In 1890, amateur ornithologist Eugene Schieffelin decided to release sixty European starlings into New York City’s Central Park. While there were likely several introductions of the species, Schieffelin’s released starlings resulted in the first successful, documented nesting. Now there are roughly eighty-five million of the birds flapping across the continent. Unfortunately, starlings are invasive, pushing out native bird populations, spreading disease to cattle, and causing an estimated $800 million annually in damage. Schieffelin couldn’t have imagined the damage his choice would cause.
Choices can have massive consequences. Though warned, Adam and Eve couldn’t have envisioned the disastrous ramifications of their choice on all creation. God had told them they were “free to eat from any tree in the garden” (Genesis 2:16), save one, the tree in “the middle of the garden” (3:3). But deceived by that wily serpent, “[Eve] took some and ate it” (v. 6). Then Adam followed, also choosing to eat the fruit God forbade. So much destruction, heartbreak, and ruin because of one choice.
Every time we ignore God’s wisdom and choose another path, we invite calamity. It may seem that our choice is insignificant or only affects us; however, our narrow understanding or fleeting desires can easily lead us into a world of trouble. Choosing God’s way, though, leads us to life and flourishing.
What choice has proved disastrous for you? How can you make wiser decisions?
Dear God, please help me make wise decisions.
In the creation account, Adam and Eve were the only creatures privileged to be created “in [God’s] own image” (Genesis 1:27) and given His own “breath of life” (2:7). They were also given the freedom to choose how they’d live (vv. 16-17). Adam and Eve made their decision and brought sin and death into the world (3:1-7).
When God chose the Israelites to be His covenant people, they were also given a choice of whether to obey Him (Deuteronomy 11:26-28; 30:15-20). The choices they made would result in radically different outcomes—“life and prosperity, death and destruction” (30:15). Moses encouraged them to make the right choice: “I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life” (v. 19). Jesus offers us the choice between the narrow road “that leads to life” and the broad road “that leads to destruction” (Matthew 7:13-14).
