The ability to make genuine choices is part of our God-likeness. Choice was a gift from God, in Eden, not from those who insist we have the right to choose cars to gender and everything between. But unlimited, unwise choices are exhausting and produce bondage rather than freedom and contentment. We generally assume that the increased options provided by American prosperity, allowing us to choose exactly what we want, will always guarantee greater happiness. The surprising reality is that too many options actually create greater distress.
Recent research reveals that increased choice and wealth have decreased the overall spiritual and emotional wellbeing of westernized, affluent cultures. The U.S. Gross National Product increased steadily over the past several decades, but people describing themselves as “very happy,” declined steadily during that time. More Americans than ever are being diagnosed with some form of depression.
Barry Schwartz, writing for The Scientific America, examined responses from two groups who answered questions evaluating their satisfaction level in decision making. Maximizers are determined to examine every option. They engage in more comparisons, both before and after their selection. Since no one can realistically investigate every alternative, decision-making becomes more frustrating and disappointing as options increase.
Too many choices raise expectations and deepen depression levels when expectations can’t be met. Determined Maximizers were found to be the least happy with the result of their efforts; expressing little pleasure when decisions were proven to be good, and great dissatisfaction when they found a “better deal” after their selection.
The second group, Satisficers, stopped looking when they chose the item that met the need. Schwartz’s research shows they enjoyed the results of their decisions more, spending significantly less time brooding afterward than Maximizers. However, both Maximizers and Satificers face adaptation: becoming accustomed to new things and relationships. For example, a consumer agonizes over which vehicle to buy, finally choosing an expensive SUV. He drives it, trying to forget other options, but familiarity and depreciation soon tarnish the entire experience. He regrets what he didn’t choose, and is disappointed by what he did choose.
Our lives are crowded with too many leisure and work alternatives; consumer choices; and too much information. We make today’s choices by comparing our current options with what we hoped for in yesterday’s choices. But even when we get what we say we want, we discover that the newer, bigger, faster things, and new relationships, don’t satisfy. Our deep human needs cannot be satisfied by the superficial.
God established the privilege of choice in Eden through the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. We only reach the full capacity of our God-given human design by making significant life choices. When we depend so heavily on eternally insignifi cant choices about cars, clothes, sports, paper towels and cell-phones to make life meaningful, we leave no time or energy for the truly significant spiritual and relationship choices that produce human maturity and stability.
In many ways, we worship the gift of choice rather than God, Who gave the gift. But when we receive salvation and mature in understanding God’s way of being, greed and selfishness diminish. The desperate need for more things and greater variety is systematically reduced as we are fulfilled in our relationship with Jesus.
“If anyone…doesn’t agree with the sound teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ that promotes Godliness, he is conceited, understanding nothing…filled with envy, quarreling, slanders, evilsuspicions,andconstantdisagreement. ButGodliness with contentment is a great gain. We brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. (1 Timothy 6:6-8) Biblical Guidance counseling from Infinite Grace Ministries offers life-changing teaching. Learn how knowing the eternal love of God changes our choices. Call 580-774-2884 for more information and to schedule your personal appointment today.
