Making Hard Choices
Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV)
22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Joshua 24:15 (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.”
Paul's instruction is clear: "Throw off the old sinful nature." Not gently lay it down. Not negotiate with it. Throw it off. Transformation requires decisive action, not wishful thinking. Hard choices always offend someone and are misunderstood by those unwilling to make them. But excellence offends mediocrity. Your commitment to God's best may cost you comfort, certain relationships, or familiar patterns. Yet here's the truth: you're already miserable living in compromise. Would you rather stay miserable in denial or be temporarily uncomfortable while pursuing freedom? The year is 80% ahead of you. Make the hard choice today. Choose holiness. Choose discipline. Choose God's way.
Reflection Question: What hard choice is God calling you to make that you've been postponing?
22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Joshua 24:15 (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.”
Paul's instruction is clear: "Throw off the old sinful nature." Not gently lay it down. Not negotiate with it. Throw it off. Transformation requires decisive action, not wishful thinking. Hard choices always offend someone and are misunderstood by those unwilling to make them. But excellence offends mediocrity. Your commitment to God's best may cost you comfort, certain relationships, or familiar patterns. Yet here's the truth: you're already miserable living in compromise. Would you rather stay miserable in denial or be temporarily uncomfortable while pursuing freedom? The year is 80% ahead of you. Make the hard choice today. Choose holiness. Choose discipline. Choose God's way.
Reflection Question: What hard choice is God calling you to make that you've been postponing?
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