Day of Decision!

A “Day of Decision” -- that is what many see today while heading to cast their ballots for our countries elections. Candidates are being decided between and measures are being either accepted or rejected. Some are having to spend time in long lines for their opportunity to cast their vote. However, for many (including my wife and I) the decisions were made long ago as we already voted by absentee ballot. I’m not sure how everything will turn out once all the votes have been counted, but we considered the ISSUES carefully are are thankful for the process we have and the freedom to have our say.

Joshua addressed the nation of Israel on a “Day of Decision.”
“(14) 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. (15) 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)

Today’s “Day of Decision” has great significance relating to some of the pressing ISSUES our country is facing. However, the decision Joshua directed the attention of Israel toward was that of the greatest significance for that day as well as the present. My wife and I made that decision years ago and are thankful our three children have married Christians and continue to be active in the Lord’s church even today. I believe my parents made that decision as well; faithfulness to God has marked the homes of my brothers also.

People who walk up to the door of our house will note a silver plate off to the side which declares our choice to serve God (from Joshua 24:15). We have had people comment regarding that statement when they have rung our doorbell. However, it is the true declaration of this resolve in the way we live our lives that is of utmost importance. When the decision has been made to sincerely serve the Lord, the other ISSUES of life will be easier to be brought in line with the values of God. We face lots of ISSUES, but need to see how those relate to our decision to serve the Lord. Our heart focus must be closely guarded because out of it flow “the ISSUES of life.” (Proverbs
4:23 KJV)

As Paul wrote to Timothy, he stated…
“The aim of our charge is love that ISSUES FROM A PURE HEART and A GOOD CONSCIENCE and A SINCERE FAITH.” ( 1 Timothy 1:5 ESV)

Some people have trouble with the ISSUES because they have not yet resolved the greatest decision that must be made. May we continue wholly committed to God, looking to Him for His direction as we consider all the choices we meet in this life. The ISSUE of our number one allegiance to God is on what all other decisions should be determined. May the life of each one of us truly reflect the steadfastness of our decision of choosing to serve God.

Have a great day HAVING MADE THE RIGHT DECISION FIRST!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Discipleship