Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
Joshua 24:14-15 (KJV)
Joshua, near the end of his life, offers a choice to the people of Israel. They can choose to serve the Lord, or they can choose to sinfully turn aside to other gods. In the next verse, the people cry out that they will serve the Lord.
By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
Hebrews 11:24-27 (KJV)
Moses, likewise, had a choice. He could continue to enjoy sin, or he could choose to turn his back on his earthly position and status by serving the Lord. He faithfully chose to follow after the Lord.
The same choice is offered to us, and we have the same options: serve God or don't. It is entirely up to each of us on an individual basis. God, in His wisdom (I Corinthians 1:25, Isaiah 55:9) has granted to each of us the choice serving Him in righteousness, of of serving self in sin. If we choose to live a life of sin and unrighteousness, God will permit it. He does not force us to follow Him and to walk in His ways. We are not forced to comply with His will. We cannot be forcibly converted to following Christ. It is something we must each choose to do.
Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.
Ecclesiastes 11:9 (KJV)
And like any choice we make, there are consequences to face, no matter our decision. If we choose to not follow Christ, the consequences are that in some ways, we may have it easier in this life. We may have pleasures, friends, and temporary wealth stemming from that life of sin. And in eternity, if we choose that route, we will have torment, pain, and agony. (Mark 9:43-48)
"But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."
Revelation 21:8 (KJV)
There are also consequences for choosing to follow Christ. Things in this life may be more difficult as we face persecution and trials. (II Timothy 3:12) However, there is a hope of eternal life in the presence of God if we decide to follow Christ.
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23 (KJV)
God, in His wisdom has granted to us the gift of choice. We are not forced into service, but rather can choose to be a disciple of Christ. Instead of removing our will and ability to make decisions, God has permitted us to choose which path our life will follow. And in this way, He has granted us the ability to choose not only how we will live in this world, but where we will be for eternity.
So which decision will you make? Will you choose to devote yourself to sin and self, enjoying the passing pleasures of sin (Hebrews 11:25), or will you choose to devote yourself to Christ and enjoy an eternity of peace and bliss in the presence of God?
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