Pastor's Ponderings, May 7, 2018

Choose God’s Way and Receive Life

In the 1995 movie, Batman Forever, the character Two-Face answers his terrified victim’s question with, “Maybe, maybe not. You could say we're of two minds on the subject.”  In this world of fake news, outright political lies, and obfuscation, many voters choose neither of the above when making a choice. They may like some of this argument and some of that, but are double minded about the issues. Gregory Wallace, in a November 30, 2016 CNN article, wrote, “Voter turnout this year dipped to nearly its lowest point in two decades.” Many chose to not choose.

But the Bible tells us that a double-minded man is unstable in all of his ways (James 1:8). God wants us to choose whom we will serve (Joshua 24:15). We don’t have the option to be Mr. or Ms. In-Between.  God says that He would rather that we were hot or cold, but because we have chosen the “neither” option, He will choose for us and reject us with righteous loathing (Revelation 3:16).  Today, God is asking us to choose Him and live the abundant life with Him (Deuteronomy 30:19).

Compromise is the way things are done in the world system.  Both sides negotiate by giving up some of their positions and meet somewhere in the middle.  In God’s kingdom, there is no democracy, we don’t vote on the Ten Commandments, nor are their amendments to God’s laws.  God said it; that settles it. God tells us to come to Him by declaring our loyalty to Him and He will come to us (James 4:8). Because His way brings the abundant life, let us decide that we will choose His way and live. 

James 1:8
New International Version (NIV)

8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

Joshua 24:15
New International Version (NIV)

15 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.”

Revelation 3:16
New International Version (NIV)

16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

Deuteronomy 30:19
New International Version (NIV)

19 This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.

James 4:8 
New Living Translation (NLT)

8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.