Choices...

by: Gary L. Hutchens

​   We are faced with choices everyday.  After the Israelites had crossed the Jordan river, had fought the battles and taken possession of the promised land, Joshua called the people together and told them to make a decision of commitment: “And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of 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.” (Josh. 24:15).  They needed to choose, one way or the other.

​   We become our choices.  When Joshua called the people of Israel to “choose” whom they would serve, he was calling for them to decide what they would be.  Steadfast, faithful followers of God, or idle worshippers?  Their choice would determine who, and what, they would become.
   Many people do not fully realize the seriousness of the choices they make.  Choices have consequences.  When a person signs a contract to buy a new car for $40,000, unless he can pay cash he instantly becomes indebted for the next five to eight years.  He’s committed to make that payment every month.  If his current job does not provide that kind of income, he has to either change jobs or get a second job.  His choice also means that he and his family have less disposable income to do some things they might want to do.  You become your choices.  Choices…
   Trying illegal drugs is a choice with more serious consequences.  First, such a person becomes a criminal dealing with other criminals who sell him his illegal drugs.  That indebtedness will be unending, as long as he continues to use the drugs.  He also opens the door to potential addiction which will make him a slave to the drugs.  That reality will likely ruin his life, destroy relationships with others, especially those with family, and result in either his death or incarceration.  You become your choices.  Choices…
   A teenager chooses to go to a rather wild party with friends.  Alcohol flows freely.  Everybody’s drinking, it’s the cool thing to do.  The peer pressure is intense.  He gives in and starts drinking himself; he feels the buzz.  He goes to more such parties, and he drinks more and more.  Before long, he doesn’t have to be at a party to drink; he drinks on a regular basis.  Without realizing it he slips into the nightmare of alcoholism.  Nobody decides to become an alcoholic.  It begins with an initial choice, and choices have consequences.  You become your choices.  Choices…
   A teenage girl begins to experiment with sex.  She wants to be liked, wants to be accepted.  Then, in shock she learns that she’s pregnant.  The boy immediately drops her.  She’s devastated, and her parents are heartbroken.  She’s not even finished with High School, and she’s about to be a mother.  Her whole life has changed.  You become your choices.  Choices…
   As did the Israelites, YOU must choose whom you will serve, God or Satan.  To not live in obedience to God is to choose to live in sin and serve the devil.  That choice has the worst of all consequences, for “The wages of sin is death…” (Rom. 6:3).  You determine your eternal destiny by how you choose to live your life.  Heaven, or Hell?  “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” (Rev. 21:8).  Saved, or lost; which will you choose?  Remember, you become your choices…