Our Own Path 

“Now if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”  (Joshua 24: 15) 

   I once heard someone say that Frank Sinatra made a lot of money singing Hell’s theme song, “I Did It My Way”.  It made me think of the fact that we have the ability to do it our own way or God’s way.  Which we choose is the most important decision we will ever make.

   As the Israelites were about to cross the Jordan and enter the promised land Joshua put this choice before them.  Their journey from Egypt was marred with many instances of worshipping gods other than the true God.  They turned to the gods of those around them and even made their own objects of worship.  Now they must decide which to serve.

   I must make the same choice each day; to serve self or serve God.  The temptations to worship the false gods of this world are plentiful.  Society even frowns upon those who refuse to accept the worldly ways, those who choose God.  If one wants to fit in with today’s society it’s almost required that they reject God and His ways.  It takes faith, determination, and the grace of God to remain true to Him.

   We each must choose the path we will walk.  God won’t force us to follow Him.  He will love us either way and, if we choose false gods, He will continue to reach out to us.  He does so in the beauty of the world, the majesty of the universe, the joy in a child’s laughter and many other ways.  He loves us and shares His love with us that we may share it with others, our spouse, children, and friends.  Still the choice to walk away from Him is totally our decision.  As for me, like Joshua said, I will serve the Lord. 

At the river Jordan they had a choice.

To follow You or false gods.

In life we too have that choice.

May we always chose to serve You. 

Amen