Who do we choose?
For the past several weeks, unless you’ve lived in a cave or took a trip to outer space, you’ve probably recognized this is an election year in the United States. We’ve been bombarded with advertisements on television, social media, and roadside signs. Who do we choose?
Not a political message
Lest you think I’m advocating for a particular candidate or a particular party–I’m not! My message today is about making choices. We may think our choices don’t matter, but they do–our choices impact us and others. What we believe and how we put those beliefs into action affects us and everyone else.
Who do we choose?
After taking over from Moses as leader of the Israelites (following their escape from Egypt and their forty years of wandering in the desert), Joshua had a task to accomplish. God told him:
“Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them–to the Israelites. I will give you every place where you set you foot as I promised Moses. Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates–all of the Hittite country–to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you or forsake you. (Joshua 1:2-5)
God didn’t make it easy for Joshua and the Israelites. They had to fight for the land God planned to provide for them. But with God’s help, they succeeded in making God’s gift their homeland. But as sometimes happens when we are gifted with many blessings, the Israelites became complacent, and drifted away from God’s plan.
We will serve the LORD
Joshua reminded the Israelites of God’s gift:
” ‘So I gave you a land on which you did not toil and cities you did not build; and you live in them and eat from vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant.’ “ (Joshua 24:13)
Then Joshua presented the Israelites with a challenge:
Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshipped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:14-15)
Do we sometimes become complacent? Are we thankful for our blessings or do we think we achieved our goals on our own? Do we need Joshua’s reminder?
Do we choose God first?
There’s another action that is the most important choice we will ever make.
We are taught, as soon as we learn about Jesus and His sacrifice for us, that we have the choice or whether we follow Him or not. God didn’t program us like robots to automatically follow the Master. Instead, He gifted us with Free Will, because our Father wanted us to choose to follow Him. Not to be coerced, bullied, or forced–but to choose God.
God sent Jesus to die for us, to take our sins upon Himself so that we might live. How do we choose? It’s a decision–then an action.
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe with your heart that God raised you from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. (Romans 10:9-10).
If you have voted, thank you taking part in our democratic process. If you’ve not been to the polls yet, I encourage you to make your choice and vote when the opportunity comes.
But I hope and pray you will make the most important choice of all–to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior and live each day as a light for Him.
Great wisdom here Ms. Katherine. While we should always endeavor to “vote our values”, it can be difficult sometimes to know for sure. The best way I’ve found is to go back and look at each candidate’s past. Many will claim Christianity as though it is a “requirement for office.” Their “Trust me, I’m a Christian” must be supported by their words and actions before their time in office or election season. I often apply Luke 6:45 to those candidates I consider. If their past doesn’t align with the values they claim, then I pass. Sometimes I reach a “None of the Above” conclusion. In those cases, I resort to a prayer for guidance. I agree with you ma’am, it is ever-important that we participate in the election process. Have often shared with folks, “If you don’t vote, then you don’t have a right to criticize.” Politics, especially today, is a ugly, deceitful world. Yet, we can’t avoid it if we ever expect to change it. Thank you and God’s blessings ma’am.
Thank you for sharing your insight and wisdom, J.D. I agree, we have to dive into our political process (voting to choose our leaders) in order to have a voice in who our leaders are. I’m joining you in praying for our nation and leaders. May God bless you and the Cross-Dubya family.
I’ve been praying for both of the main national candidates. No matter whom we elect, I’m reminded that David prayed for Saul when Saul was distrustful (paranoid?) of David. The hubster and I go vote tomorrow.
Our local/state candidates are easier. The issues and entanglements are less complex (but no less important).
You are right, Priscilla, our elected leaders are important no matter whether they are at the local, national, or anywhere in-between levels. Thank you for voting! I hope your week is going well. It’s definitely been interesting!
Our choices make such a difference, particularly our choice to accept Jesus as Savior and Lord and then share the message of Jesus with others.
Well-said, Diana. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Blessings!
Ms. Katherine our choices do matter especially the most important choice of surrender to Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Political candidates are sinful and flawed but Jesus is sinless and perfect. He’s the best choice!
You are right, Lisa–Jesus is the best and most important choice we will ever make. We are flawed and sinful–I’m grateful for His mercy, grace, and love as He rescues us from the depths of sin and brings us into His fold. Praying God’s blessings for you and your family.
Katherine, Thank you for your reminder of the importance of our choices, and the most important choice of all—to trust Jesus as our Savior! May God bless your writing as you point others to Him.
Thank you for your encouragement, Kim. Yes, trusting Jesus and surrendering ourselves to Him is our most important choice and we are blessed beyond measure when we do. Wishing you much joy in service to our Lord and Savior.
It was a blessing to read your post, Katherine. Every choice we make has a bearing on our tomorrows, and certainly making the choice to believe in and surrender to Jesus is the most important of all. Our eternal destiny depends on it and forever is a long time.
The elections of humans to lead our localities, our school systems, our states, and our nation is truly important to us also, especially if you have grandchildren like you and I do. Therefore we need to pray before we vote.
You are absolutely right, Connie. Our children and grandchildren are the future of our nation. We need to pray and research the candidates thoroughly before making our decision about who to vote for. Thank you for being a wonderful role model for participation in the democratic process. I pray we never forget those who sacrificed so that we might have the freedom to choose our leaders. Peace and blessings, my friend.
The most important choice we can make in life is the one to follow Jesus. He chose us, is for us, and loves us beyond measure. How can we possibly choose otherwise? And may we allow Him to guide our other decisions.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Candyce. I join you in prayer that we first choose Jesus and accept Him as our Lord and Savior. Then, by seeking His guidance, may we all make the right decisions when electing our leaders. We are blessed to have Jesus to guide our path, but it only works if we seek and accept His guidance. Blessings!
I’m ever-so-grateful that God is sovereign over elected officials, no matter what the true condition of their relationship with him is. He’s used the good, bad, and ugly. We are wise to do the research, pray, ask those we trust as we prepare to vote. Who we choose to lead in any position should be selected with a good amount of knowledge and discernment. Great thoughts, Katherine!
I’m so glad you shared your insights, Mary. Although we may sometimes believe that our leaders have total control of our country’s destiny, you’ve reminded us of who is really in control. Another reason why we should submit to our Lord. He is in command. His timing may not be our timing, but with prayer and patience, we will receive His guidance if we trust and wait. I hope your week is going well.
We are always choosing, aren’t we? Everyday we choose him anew in the places we go, the company we keep, what we allow our eyes to see and ears to hear and hearts to believe. We must consciously choose to love and serve God everyday. I think the Jews are into something by praying the Schema first thing every morning. “Thou shalt love the Lord they God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength.” I choose Jesus!
I agree, Terri. Every day we are faced with the question, “Who do I serve?” Even throughout the day, we may be confronted with constant decisions and challenges that require us to seek our Lord’s guidance and submit to His will. Prayer every morning is a wonderful habit.
Imagine how our nation and world would be different if we all made the daily choice to follow the Lord. Thanks, Katherine.
Wouldn’t our world be a place of peace, joy, and love if that was the case? Lots of prayers needed. Thank you, Debbie.
I choose Jesus first. During these election years, I find myself praying more and more to seek God’s will for how I vote. In the polarized world, I want to make the godly choice.
CHOOSE JESUS FIRST! Oh, if everyone would do so, what a wonderful world this would be. Thank you for praying–and for being a wonderful mentor. Blessings!
I appreciated this post Katherine. My reading in the Bible right now is in Exodus. I am always convicted as I read about the quickness of the Israelites to stray. How like us. I appreciate the connection with choices. They are presented each and every day. I desire to be growing in my steadfast choices which represent Christ. Thank you.
I agree, Sylvia. When I read the Bible and study their life stories, I wonder how the Israelites could turn away from God after He gifted them with freedom, protection, and a new homeland. But I’m always reminded of, “Who are you to judge when you’ve strayed away from Me?” And He is right–I’ve strayed numerous times. Thank you for seeking to follow Christ in all you do and for being a role model for us. Peace and joy!
Love this: “. . . the most important choice of all–to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior and live each day as a light for Him.” Well said, Katherine!
I’m grateful for your encouragement, LuAnn. Thank you for being a light for Jesus.
AMEN, Katherine. The most important choice we ever make is to ask Jesus into our lives! For the person unsure about who to vote for in an election, it may be helpful to seek advice from someone who’s proven themselves mature in Christ and wise in their personal choices. “Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance” (Proverbs 1:5).
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and wisdom, Nancy. Yes–it takes a wise person to listen to wisdom from another. We can learn so much if we pay attention to those with more knowledge, experience, and wisdom. God will guide us to those people who will provide wise counsel–we just need to ask Him and open our minds and hearts to those He sends into our lives. Praying for you both and sending get well wishes to your loved one.
Thank you for the reminder to not grow complacent but choose to follow Christ diligently every day.
I know I need those same reminders, Joanna. Thank you for stopping by my blog and sharing encouragement.