But if it doesn’t please you to worship the Lord, choose for yourselves today: Which will you worship—the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living? As for me and my family, we will worship the Lord.” Joshua 24:15 (CSB)

We face choices every day. In fact, many choices are simply reactions to the situation around us. But there also life and death choices that people face. Making choices can be difficult. Is it better to have limited choices, or unlimited choices?

We like choices. While at times we may be happy if the choices of ice cream are limited to chocolate, strawberry, or vanilla, most of us appreciate a wider variety. Some choices are inconsequential, while other decisions can change the course of a life.

The people of Israel had options for worship. Before Abraham encountered Yahweh, his ancestors worshiped the gods beyond the Euphrates River. On their journey to the promised land, Israel encountered people whose gods somehow enticed them even though Yahweh delivered them from Egypt while demonstrating his might and power.

While Israel was contemplating their choices, Joshua laid it out for them. If worshiping God does not please you, choose another god. But like Bob Dylan reminded us that you “Gotta Serve Somebody.”

Well, it may be the Devil, or it may be the Lord
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody!

Life is about the choices that we make. Small choices may seem insignificant, but choosing to serve God (or not serve him) is the most important choice of all. But we also make a choice about how we will serve him. He desires for us to live for him with the undivided, wholly devoted him heart. Choose wisely!

God Chose Us

You did not choose me, but I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit and that your fruit should remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give you. “This is what I command you: Love one another. John 15:16–17 (CSB)

We are not the only ones who make choices. Christ has chosen us. Paul writes: God chose us in Christ to be holy and blameless in God’s presence before the creation of the world. Ephesians 1:4 (CEB). Jesus said he chose us to produce fruit, and Paul adds that we are to be holy and blameless in the presence of God. We must never forget that we have been chosen for a purpose.

It is important for us to know the criteria that God uses in selecting people. The world may choose the best and the brightest, the most athletic, or the most beautiful, but God did not choose us for any of those reasons. God chose what is low and despised in the world, what is regarded as nothing, to set aside what is regarded as something, so that no one can boast in his presence. 1 Corinthians 1:28–29 (NET)

Mankind’s choices are often shallow and superficial and based on things that are unimportant to God. The people of Israel chose Saul to be their king because he was outwardly impressive. God chose David because he was a man after his own heart.

God did not choose us so that we could receive the glory or recognition. We must never forget that we are “jars of clay” or canvases chosen so that God can receive all of the glory and the honor.

Life and Death

“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! Deuteronomy 30:19 (NLT)

Our premise is that our lives consist of the choices that we make. We contend that choosing who we will serve is the most important choice of our lives. However, other choices have impact and influence on that decision. There are choices that can either lead us closer to God or drive us farther away from him.

Moses gave Israel the choice between life and death in reference to their eternal destiny, but he indicated that that choice would have an impact on their descendants as well. At times in our lives we are confronted with life and death decisions. For example, people die when they choose to drive recklessly or get too close to a dangerous cliff.

There are choices in life which make it easier or more difficult to choose God. The choice of a spouse or an occupation can either pave the way for us to go closer to God or pull us farther away from him.

Our choices are also impacted by wisdom or lack of wisdom. We are told: There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way to death. Proverbs 16:25 (CSB). We must learn to make good choices. The foundation begins with seeking guidance through God’s Spirit and his Word. We must ask God to search our hearts. Moses considered the eternal impact of his choices, not just the immediate gratification that this world can provide. We must choose life.

Make up Your Mind

Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, “How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” But the people were completely silent. 1 Kings 18:21 (NLT)

When Elijah stood before the people and the prophets of Baal, he challenged them to make a choice. They had not completely rejected God. They wanted to keep their options open. Jesus would make it plain that we cannot serve two masters.

Deferring to choose is a choice and it is not a wise one. James reminds us that a double minded person is unstable in all of their ways. Today, is another opportunity for us to make a choice, or reaffirm the choices we have already made. Choose wisely!

Steve Ekeroth