But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve. (Josh. 24:15)
Burger King used to have a ditty on their commercials that belted out, “Have it your way!” What if God’s “ditty” is “Have it my way”? Choices count. Often we think only of our own choices. In our narcissistic society—our opinions—our choices are the most important.
The reality is that everyone has choices. We can choose to listen, or not. We can choose to obey, or not. Learning lessons and improving is a choice. We can choose to depend on God or ourselves.
For centuries, theologians and philosophers have debated how much volition humans have when God is sovereign. Some would say we have no choices of eternal consequence. Others teach that human beings have free will. Based on Joshua 24:15, it seems we have a choice in whom we will serve. How is that going for you?
How easy is it for you to follow? Are you dependable, reliable? Do you choose to keep your word and be honest in every conversation? Are you living a life of righteousness or a life of sin? Choices count.
We too have a choice to make. We can do things our way or we can do things God’s way. We can seek to live life for ourselves or we can serve the Lord. Everyday choices will reflect who it is that we are ultimately serving.
Make choices with eternity in mind.
Jim Dunn is the president of Oklahoma Wesleyan University in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.
© 2020 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
