The Burden of Choice

As Americans we tend to view more choice in life as an inherent good. The more choices the better. And we believe that about everything from toothpaste to TV channels and from churches to sex, not to mention how much time we spend on deciding what type of food we want to eat. It can all be very time consuming and for some, draining, though not many people mention the dark side of too many choices.

If you're apt to compare things then it is easy to spend countless hours comparing the micro-differences in various products and if you're looking for a better price then days can be spent on the Internet in order to save a little money. Of course if one has more time than money then this may be a nececessity but it can still be a burden nonetheless.

The solution of course is not fewer choices. Nobody wants to go back to four cars to choose from or one grocery store or, God forbid, five flavors of gum, but in spite of the gift of this freedom, choice also has a shadow side.

The old theologian, Martin Luther, used to write about the bondage of the will but I am not sure if he wrote anything about the bondage of choice. Choice, too, can be a slavery.

Paul's Humanity

The Apostle Paul is one of the most colorful Christian leaders in all of church history and he is both loved and hated throughout the Christian world. Some consider him the world's greatest defender and promoter of Christianity while others believe he did not take Christianity far enough and refused to take righteous stands on issues like female equality and slavery. Beyond doubt he was a strong personality and very opinionated.

But in 2nd Timothy a different Paul emerges. He is writing to his young friend and disciple Timothy from a dark and damp Roman dungeon and he was in chains like a common criminal. This was certainly not the first time that Paul was in prison but now he is nearing the end of his life and you can sense his weariness. Did he know the end was near as some people do? He is at least conscious of the possibility and is losing hope 4:6-8.

Then, near the end of the letter, Paul writes to Timothy three little words... "Come before winter". No great spiritually, illumined theological insights this time...no deep Christian thoughts to ponder..only the illumination of human need by a tired man in prison asking for a visit from a beloved friend before it gets too cold...before it is too late. This Paul I love. A moment of vulnerability...a chink in the armor...the tender hope of an old man revealed in a humble request.

Paul apparently died shortly after writing this letter. No one knows if Timothy ever made it to see him.