We can choose what truth our life story will demonstrate: what is possible with God or what is inevitable without him. Our life is defined by our choices, and while we may recognize this through major decisions—such as our career, home, or spouse—there is an underlying choice that is subtler and far greater: the choice of whether we will live with God or without him.
Choosing to be with God means acting in a mood of service to him, driven by the higher, nobler desires that he inspires in our hearts. It means being infused with the divine spirit to be a part of his plan for the betterment of the world. God illuminates our vision to discover and develop the gifts he has given us, both within and around us, empowering us to accomplish things far greater than we might have imagined.
This truth was exemplified by Arjuna, who, in his moment of confusion on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, chose to listen to Krishna’s words and be ready to act as an instrument of Krishna’s will (Bhagavad Gita 18.73). As a result, he demonstrated unmatched skill in archery, not just for personal glory but for the ushering in of an era of peace and prosperity for all. His life fulfilled the promise of the Bhagavad Gita 18.58, which states that those who are conscious of Krishna will overcome all obstacles by his grace.
On the other hand, Duryodhana’s story serves as a cautionary tale of what happens when we reject God. By turning away from Krishna’s peace proposal, he doomed himself and became an example of the inevitable downfall that follows when we act in defiance of divine guidance. Even if we are not as malevolent as Duryodhana, if we choose to live without acknowledging a higher plan and without aligning ourselves through devotion to that vision, we can end up at the mercy of our lower desires. Such desires may sabotage our lives, reducing them to a burden rather than a blessing.
When we act without God, our efforts may still yield temporary success, but we risk rising high only to fall hard when death strips us of everything we have built. Even our good deeds may be overshadowed by the emptiness that follows if we have connected people only to ourselves, not to the divine who can be with them eternally.
The contrasting stories of Arjuna and Duryodhana, viewed in light of Bhagavad Gita 18.58, remind us to let our lives be guided by God and not misguided by desires that pull us away from him.
Summary:
- The most significant choice we can make is whether we act in service to God or in defiance of him.
- Choosing service to God enriches our hearts, illuminates our vision, and empowers us to contribute to his divine plan.
- Ignoring God leads to a life driven by lower desires, which ultimately results in self-sabotage or emptiness as everything of value is lost with time.
Think it over:
- How does a life in service of God demonstrate the wonder that is possible?
- How does a life in defiance of God demonstrate the horror that is inevitable?
- What choice can you make today to ensure you are acting in service to God and not in defiance of him?
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18.58 If you become conscious of Me, you will pass over all the obstacles of conditioned life by My grace. If, however, you do not work in such consciousness but act through false ego, not hearing Me, you will be lost.
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