Throughout the Bible God uses the word, ‘choose’. We can, nay, must choose because God gives us volition. Jesus says, “Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold” (Proverbs 22:1). Godly leaders choose wisely. We plan well, work hard, administer efficiently, foresee danger and opportunity, associate with good people, listen, learn, and take wise precautions.
This may come as a surprise for those of you from Kansas, but there are corrupt people in the church. Where there are people there is sin. The Bible tells us that corrupt, evil people choose their thorny and treacherous path. It is not their lot in life, they choose it. They choose to reject God. They choose to lord their power over others and to abuse the authority God grants. They choose to take rather than give.
We will have an opportunity today to choose well. That’s what good leaders do. To be generous with our time, talent, and testimony. We choose to have a pure heart, aim at the things of God, use gracious speech, and increase our knowledge and understanding. We choose not to be lazy - and to apply our hearts to God’s leading.
Don’t worry. God loves us and will continue to teach us how to choose wisely. We are called disciples for a reason. In this life we never really ‘arrive’ yet we aim and press on for godly perfection. As Christian men we do yearn to be elders in the church for God tells us such a desire is good.
We all have to choose whom we will serve. Everyone serves something or someone. But selfish ambition, success, power, prestige, position, and possessions are tough taskmasters. They lead us down a treacherous path indeed. Just ask any 50-year-old securities lawyer, a gray-haired yeoman of the transactional trenches. If they are honest they’ll tell you that the fast lane takes a toll, one of dysfunction, depression, and divorce. It often comes with a decent wardrobe, but the price is a high one to pay for what looks like success.
Serving God alone is the only choice, nay, the only life worth living. God is the only One we were designed and gifted to serve. Jesus is the Servant King who loves us and leads us. Choosing to be a lukewarm Christian is useless. You will not see lukewarm coffee on the menu. Be hot or cold, but choose something.
I’m encouraged by Scripture this morning to choose to commit to Jesus. As men, the spiritual leaders of our families, we must choose Jesus and never turn back. Friends, the devil wants us to fail. He loves to take a good man or good woman down - doubt and depression are his forte.
Yet God wants us laser-focused on success - producing more than we can measure or imagine through His guidance. Our commitment level must be set at “wholeheartedly” (Joshua 24:14). It’s up to us. Turn that dial. There are no proxies or powers of attorney in matters of commitment. That’s a good thing. For without freedom, there is no love and no reward. Today’s a great day to commit to serving Jesus and leading well.
Jesus, we’ve seen and experienced what You’ve done for us. You alone are our God. You are holy and jealous of our attention and devotion. And You are powerful beyond measure. We want to make good choices. We yearn for a good reputation - earned by action, yet enabled by the grace You give us to choose well. Please forgive us our sins, guide us, and protect us. Help us to show our commitment by what we think, say, and do. Amen.
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