Introduction
It is choice, not chance, that determines our destiny. No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. Choice!
Main Points: Matthew 6:24
- Spiritual Choice: this is the prime choice, as it underscores all others. We read in Joshua 24:14-15 . 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 has made his choice!
- Career Choice: this choice actually goes before building a house and raising a family! Proverbs 24:27 tells us, 'Prepare your work outside and make it ready for yourself in the field; afterwards, then, build your house. This verse addresses the need to train and make provision for oneself before one begins to raise a family and build a home. This principle is true today as it was in agricultural society centuries ago.
- Spousal Choice: marriage is a life-time commitment between a man and woman. The choice of your spouse, to a great extent, determines the degree of happiness and success in your life. Proverbs 12:4 says, "A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones".
- Friendship Choice: Proverbs 17:17 says, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for the time of trouble." The influence of friends in one's life is great. If you have good friends, it is well and good. But the wrong friends can be a curse to you. Their influence in your life may invite unwanted things. 1 Corinthians 15:33 states, "stop being deceived: wicked friends lead to evil ends."
- Locational Choice: When Abraham left the choice to Lot, he chose what he saw as fertile land. Little did he know of Sodom and Gomorrah. Outwardly it looked a sound decision. It was poor spiritually. The Bible says, "But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly" Genesis 13:13 .
Memory Verse
Choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin— Hebrews 11:25
This is a choice made. The most important choice in your life is to accept and follow Jesus Christ or not? Accepting and following means: Becoming His disciple and accepting the offer of Jesus' salvation; eligible for the kingdom of God.