Choosing God

Every day we make choices. Every day, we decide what we’re going to do that day. We choose what to wear, what to have for breakfast, and we may make a to do list for that day to decide what needs to be accomplished. Every day also, we decide who we are serving – are we serving ourselves and our own desires, or are we serving God and what He desires? Will we put His will before our own?

In October 2022, Hobby Lobby founder David Green announced that he was giving up his company, and that he “chose God” over wealth. He felt that wealth can be a curse and he wanted to be a steward of “what God has given us.”

He said that he worked hard and God gave the results. He felt it was a privilege to give back. He stated that “God was the true owner of my business.” “When I realized that I was just a steward, it was easy to give away my ownership.” Green felt that wealth could be a test on family, marriage and children, and his belief was that God owns everything.

We know through Quran that one can get preoccupied with the worldly possessions God bestows on us,

including money and children.

[9:69] Some of those before you were stronger than you, and possessed more money and children. They became preoccupied with their material possessions. Similarly, you have become preoccupied with your material possessions, just like those before you have become preoccupied. You have become totally heedless, just as they were heedless. Such are the people who nullify their works, both in this world and in the Hereafter; they are the losers.

But money and children can be a blessing if one keeps their priorities straight.

[18:46] Money and children are the joys of this life, but the righteous works provide an eternal recompense from your Lord, and a far better hope.

[8:28] You should know that your money and your children are a test, and that GOD possesses a great recompense.

[25:74] And they say, “Our Lord, let our spouses and children be a source of joy for us, and keep us in the forefront of the righteous.”

[25:75] These are the ones who attain Paradise in return for their steadfastness; they are received therein with joyous greetings and peace.

Choosing God is not easy for most people to do. Even for Submitters because God made us weak and Satan is always whispering to us to make any other choice besides choosing God.

How is it that we can make the wrong choice so easily? Because we are so easily distracted. So easily preoccupied.

[35:5] O people, GOD’s promise is the truth; therefore, do not be distracted by this lowly life. Do not be diverted from GOD by mere illusions.

[63:9] O you who believe, do not be distracted by your money and your children from remembering GOD. Those who do this are the losers.

[13:26] GOD is the One who increases the provision for whomever He wills, or withholds it. They have become preoccupied with this life, and this life, compared to the Hereafter, is nil.

[17:83] When we bless the human being, he becomes preoccupied and heedless.

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