I don’t often shop at Aldi, but when I do, I notice that there is something about the store that is different from other grocery stores – and that is the relative lack of choice. That isn’t to say that there are no choices given at Aldi, but refreshingly, there is not an overabundance of choice. The bread aisle is relatively free of the ability to choose between this brand and that brand. Even where brand differences exist, the number of choices are still minimal compared to elsewhere.
For some people, this causes concern. After all, we are in a free market economy that thrives on the idea that different producers compete in order to bring the best product to market at the cheapest price. So when we see the lack of choice, we might wonder if we’re getting something sub-par or if we’re getting ripped off.
But especially since the dawn of the internet age, psychologists and economists have noticed something new. We are now presented with more options than we had ever had. Just type “toothpaste” into Amazon and you’ll see what I mean. Choosing is perhaps difficult enough when we are faced with 3 kinds of coffee, but when there are 3,000 – the act of choosing can become paralyzing.
It gets even worse when the choice becomes a more permanent and meaningful choice: what job to take, what person to make your spouse, what church to be a part of. For all that we may love about choice and being able choose – choice can also look like a tyrant, forcing us into lives obsessing over making the right decision.
Thankfully, God only offers us one choice. He sets the choice before Moses and the people of Israel: “Choose today, life or death, blessing or curse.” (Deuteronomy 30) Because He operates this way, we can see the lack of choice as His being mean-spirited. How dare Jesus be as exclusive as to say that He “is the way, the truth, and the life”? (John 14) The reality, however, is that the lack of choices can be freeing. We need not ponder long over the choice to follow Jesus. It is a simple and obvious decision in the midst of a world of tough choices.
There may not be much that is simple in our lives full of choices, but thank God that this is. There is only one God who offers you abundant and eternal life. No choices, just Jesus. So that we can respond together with Peter when we are asked, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6)