One Day We Must Choose

Dear Reader,

Life is made up of choices. Some are small and forgettable, others are life-changing. Every choice carries a consequence, and as James E. Faust wisely taught:

“In this life, we have to make many choices. Some are very important choices. Some are not. Many of our choices are between good and evil. The choices we make, however, determine to a large extent our happiness or our unhappiness, because we have to live with the consequences of our choices.”

From this I’m reminded of two truths:

1. Most choices lead either toward positive action or negative action.

2. Every choice brings consequences we must live with.

Each decision sets in motion a chain of events that leads somewhere. Sometimes the cost is only wasted time. Other times, the result is life-altering.

I remember my first drink. It changed how I felt—and I liked that change. So I pursued it again and again, until the relief I sought could never be reached, no matter how much I drank. That is why AA puts it so clearly: “One drink is too many and a thousand never enough.” And so it is true: “If you don’t take the first drink, you can’t get drunk.” Because “It’s the first drink that gets us drunk, not the last.”

But choices can also open the door to life.

The day I asked for help and chose to “put the plug in the jug,” I chose another path. The AA Big Book describes it simply: a life that is “happy, joyous, and free.” Today I extend that choice by serving family, friends, and my community. M. Scott Peck once observed:

“The whole course of human history may depend on a change of heart in one solitary and even humble individual—for it is in the solitary mind and soul of the individual that the battle between good and evil is waged and ultimately won or lost.”

For me, that battle was won one choice at a time. The difference is striking: once, I was consumed by alcohol; today, I am available to help others. This week I attended a meeting in a local detox center. It brought me back to my own early days when all I had was hope—and it filled me with gratitude for the choice I made long ago.

Now I live with faith, sustained by the grace of a Higher Power. My daily decision to stay sober is not mere willpower—it is strengthened by God’s grace. The Book of Mormon teaches this beautifully:

“Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; … they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death…” (2 Nephi 2:27).

And again:

“Remember, my brethren, that whosoever perisheth, perisheth unto himself; … ye are free; ye are permitted to act for yourselves; for behold, God hath given unto you a knowledge and he hath made you free.” (Helaman 14:30).

Every day presents opportunities, and the path we walk depends on the choices we commit to make. My hope for you is that you will choose well—choosing liberty, choosing grace, choosing life.

I testify of these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.