The ancient bearded man dressed in the vestiture and hood of chain mail speaks quietly and with conviction: “You must choose, but choose wisely. For as the true grail will bring you life, the false grail will take it from you.”

Directed by Steven Spielberg in 1989, the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade depicts a scene in a remote cave room where Dr. Jones is faced with selecting The Holy Grail (a cup presumably used by Christ at the Last Supper). The myriad of golden choices that are available to him is staggering. A 700-year-old knight explains that he alone has been guarding the cup for centuries.

Indiana Jones is given the opportunity to choose a chalice from which to drink the water of eternal life. He chooses a simple, dusty goblet from behind two bedazzled specimens, dips it into a pool of water, and drinks from it. “You have chosen wisely,” the old knight quietly whispers.

As far-fetched as this movie is, this scene has repeatedly played out in my mind over the last 20 plus years. “You must choose, but choose wisely.” This thought-provoking phrase has cycled through my brain in a way that would probably make Spielberg proud. His message stuck, and it repeats itself often as I go through the daily task of living. If there was ever a statement that applies to humans in the 21st century, I am convinced that this is it: “You must choose, but choose wisely.”

Life is a veritable buffet of choices and opportunities. I am inundated with media, compelling voices from the left and from the right, music, news, books, magazines, hobbies, and relationships. Yet with all the technology that exists, I am often left with this hollow feeling that I am simply unable to properly decide what to keep and what to leave. As intimidating as it sometimes is to choose correctly, we are faced with this daunting task in almost every moment of each day that we live.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:3, NKJV)

My ability to choose wisely in every circumstance doesn’t magically appear after spending time with my Creator, but I have noticed that my willingness to consider God’s kingdom and His will gives me the peace I need to move forward.

For daily inspiration from Pastor Mike, visit www.openwordshow.org.