Early summer of 2002, I felt as if things had jelled for me and proclaimed that I had “discovered the meaning of life,” when I burst through the front door of the house, startling my wife mid-mise en place at kitchen counter.
Then as now, I think it boils down to “choice.” In fact, the home page of this very website says as much.
Think Garden of Eden, Genesis 2:16-17 where we read about a tree and a choice as to whether man eats of it or not. God commands, man disobeys. In choice, the real “power” isn’t in yes, it’s in no. Google “Paco Underhill.” Nine out of the Ten Commandments are unequivocal Thou shalt nots; Exodus 20:12 is effectively a “do not” presented in mom-talk as a “do.”
And the all-you need prayer prescription recorded at Matthew 6:9-13, Jesus closed on an ask that we not be led into temptation — choosing wrongly.
Without getting into the mechanics of this (upon which I respectfully acknowledge that Christian denominations disagree, but myself set aside as another discussion, in another place, at another time), once Saved, then what? For me, it’s “The Great Commission.” I look to Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15, John 20:21, and Acts 1:8 for Calling and guidance. When Jesus Christ is quoted at Matthew 10:34-36 and Luke 12:51-53, He recognizes that truth divides, that choosing Him over earthly approval will create friction, but that the way to eternity must prevail.
Personally, I have found and continue to use two “openers” and recommend them:
You may also find my “Walk with Jesus” blog Category helpful in your own following-on as well. The two take-aways here are these.
First, Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice for you, personally, and that’s the biggest thing that has ever been or ever will be done for you in your life. It obligates you to nothing, spirit or letter-of-the-law. But you Christ has provided you with a wonderful option, should you choose it, to “pay it forward” to the extent of your reach into all of mankind.
Second, there are myriad tools available to you in doing so. I’ve shared a couple of mine not as “do as I do” (although for some of you, they may well be the ideal tools of choice), but to encourage you to action, to not let anything get in the way of that, and to prime the pump as necessary for some of you to help get off top-dead-center.
Finally, know that you are never alone in this. Pray and The Holy Spirit will be your guide and helper all along the way (John 14:16-17).
— Dell Deaton
June 9, 2026
rev June 22, 2026