Carrie and I had just gotten married and were both working at the Cracker Barrel. The summer before my senior year of college we were asked to go to another state and help salvage a struggling store. 

It didn’t take long for Carrie and I to realize why this particular location was doing so poorly. One of the managers was unprofessional, apathetic, and the chief cause of the high turnover rate among the employees there. 

Have you ever heard the term, “one apple can spoil the whole bunch?”

I’m always amazed at the power of one.

Think about it in biblical terms:

1. The power of one man -Adam- resulted in the life of all mankind. 
2. The power of one sin resulted in the scarring of all humanity. 
3. The power of one man -Jesus- resulted in forgiveness of sin and the opportunity to walk in freedom and eternal life. 
4. The power of one choice determines your eternal reality. Eternal life or eternal death depends on what you do with Jesus.  

The writer of Hebrews wrote:

“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”  Hebrews 10:19-25 ESV

‭‭Sin and selfishness, like marionettes strung and manipulated by the puppeteer called satan, ravage our world. 

Before we blame everything entirely on satan, we must face the reality of our own sin and selfishness. We are not lifeless marionettes; we have the power of choice. 

Repentance is the beginning of freedom from the strings that bind us. 
In a world so broken, so damaged, so bent on revenge, entitlement, racism, and rebellion, the Holy Spirit reminds us to:

1. Draw near to God. 
2. Hold fast to hope. 
3. Stir up love. 

Only God can save our world. But He has given to each person the power of one choice. 

Today’s realities are a result of yesterday’s choices.

But here’s the hope: the choices I make today will shape the days ahead. 

Instead of blaming God, draw near to Him. Instead of becoming so negative, hold fast to hope. Instead of provoking strife, stir up love. 

That’s the power of one.