Joshua 24:15 – “But if you refuse to serve the LORD, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD.”

As I read, prayed, and mused on the Word of God today, choice became a focal point.   Life is a series of choices, and each choice has a consequence or benefit, and maybe both.

Commitment is a choice!  In Joshua 24:15, Joshua challenged Israel to make a decision (choice).  They were to choose between the world with its seeming offerings and benefits and God.  We face the same choice, often daily.  No wonder Jesus said, “If anyone is going to be My disciple, they have to take up their cross DAILY and follow me.” (Luke 9:23).

Total commitment requires total obedience. The accounts in Judges 1 & 2 reveal the danger and damage of failing to follow through on God’s directive. God said that they were to dispossess and drive out the enemies.  They did, but not completely.  Some tribes left remnants of the occupants in place. Judges 2:2-3 gives the results. “They will be thorns in your sides, and their gods will be a snare to you.”

If we do not break clean with the old way, it will be a source of trouble and draw us back, preventing us from having full victory.  That is EVERYTHING, from habits to actions and associations. Victory requires commitment, and commitment requires choice.

Make the commitment, and God will provide the help.  Acts 19:18 is an example of commitment by choice and victory. Action is required. Repentance is to do a 180-degree turn.  Repentance is to change course. Repentance is to take action. “Many also who had believed came confessing and recounting their practices.”

50,000 pieces of silver were worth over 135 years of wages and, depending on the coinage, would be worth millions today.  It was a significant act. They were totally transforming and redirecting their lives.  It was All In with God. True Conversion involves total commitment and action. If we keep doing what we did, thinking like we thought, going where we went, we have not made the choice or commitment; we are just deceiving ourselves.

Jesus offers freedom, but freedom requires commitment! As Joshua challenged Israel, “Choose you today whom you will serve.” The ball is in your court. What is your choice?

LORD, help us to make the choice daily to follow you completely!