Choices
Every day, we make choices. Sometimes they're big choices, like what college to go to or what to major in. Sometimes they're small choices, like what outfit to wear or which sandwich to have for lunch. These are the choices we make that generally affect our life.
As Christians, we have made a choice to follow Jesus, and in doing so we have rejected the world. But every day, we still face this question. Yes, we already have Salvation, but will we act like it? I was reminded of this choice when I read this verse in my morning devotions:
"Now therefore fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."
— Joshua 24:14-15 ESV
These words were spoken by Joshua to the people of Israel. They had already conquered much of the Promised Land with the help of God. They were already known to be the chosen people of the LORD. And although they had had times of stumbling, they had followed the LORD. But here, Joshua issues a challenge to them: will you choose to continue to serve your LORD?
Every day, we too are faced with this choice. Will we choose to serve the LORD? Will we exhibit these virtues He wants us to show: love, joy , peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)? Or will we choose to serve our own heart's desires? Will we instead show these things which are identified as works of the flesh: impurity, sensuality, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, envy and other such things (Galatians 5:19-21)?
We cannot choose both, for man cannot serve two masters (Luke 16:13, Matthew 6:24). And let me warn you, following your heart is not advisable, because:
"The heart is deceitful above all things,
and desperately sick;
who can understand it?"
— Jeremiah 17:9
However, Romans 8:28 gives us this beautiful reminder:
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose."
(Guess what! Loving God means that you are following what He desires for you. This truth is found in John 14:23.)
Apply It:
So, my friend, let me encourage you to make this choice today. Will you choose to serve God today, or will you choose to serve your own desires? Also, I would highly encourage you to make this an every day thing. Every day, think about whom you will choose to serve. Make a conscious choice to continue to follow the LORD.
Let's Pray:
Dear Father,
Too often I fall short of serving You. Instead, I give in and choose to serve my own heart's desires. Today, I choose to serve You! Help me to hold fast to Your desires, and put away my own. Help me to do what You would have me to do!
In Jesus' Name I pray,
Amen
Related Songs:
Stay the Course — Megan Hamilton Morgan