We can’t control what others choose to do. We can’t control a child’s decision to sneak out and run away, or a spouse’s decision to have an affair, or the thief’s decision to steal our possessions. It’s hard when a child decides to choose rebellion over obedience. It’s difficult when the landlord decides to raise rent, or the monthly bills go up because others decide to raise the rates. The fact is that decisions made by other’s affect us. What do we do when the decisions of others negatively affects us? To find the answer to this question we look to Jesus our example. About 10,000 years ago a decision was made that affected all of us. Adam decided to rebel against God and eat of the forbidden fruit. A result of this decision is that man lost fellowship with his Creator, he also lost all innocence, he also passed along the sin nature to all of mankind. This all, and more, happened because Adam made the wrong choice. God also made a decision. This decision was made before the foundation of the world, yet His decision also affects all of mankind. God the Father decided to send God the Son to the Earth to pay the penalty of sin, death. Because Adam chose to sin, mankind has his sinful nature passed down to every person. Because this decision would be made, Jesus decided to show His love to us by dying on the cross. Now, whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. The question remains, “What do WE do when someone makes a decision that affects us negatively?” We respond like Jesus. We do right. We follow Jesus no matter what. Jesus remained faithful, so we also must remain faithful and not allow the decisions of others cause us to fall into sinful attitudes, actions, or thoughts. Galatians 6:9 tells us, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Today, no matter what others choose, let us personally choose strength in Christ rather than stumbling in flesh.