Topical Encyclopedia The concept of decision in serving God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, illustrating the importance of choosing to follow God's will and commandments. This decision is often portrayed as a pivotal moment in the lives of biblical figures, demonstrating their commitment and faithfulness to God.Joshua's Call to Decision One of the most prominent examples of decision in serving God is found in the life of Joshua. As he led the Israelites into the Promised Land, Joshua challenged the people to make a definitive choice regarding whom they would serve. In Joshua 24:15 , he declares, "But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." This call to decision underscores the necessity of a deliberate and conscious choice to serve God, rejecting other allegiances. Elijah on Mount Carmel The prophet Elijah also confronted the Israelites with a decision during the reign of King Ahab. In 1 Kings 18:21 , Elijah challenges the people, saying, "How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God, follow him." This moment on Mount Carmel was a decisive point for the Israelites, compelling them to choose between the worship of the true God and the false god Baal. Elijah's challenge highlights the importance of unwavering commitment to God. Ruth's Devotion Ruth, a Moabite woman, exemplifies decision in serving God through her loyalty to Naomi and her choice to embrace the God of Israel. In Ruth 1:16 , she famously declares, "Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God." Ruth's decision to follow Naomi and serve the God of Israel demonstrates her faith and dedication, despite the uncertainties she faced. Daniel's Resolve Daniel, a young Hebrew in Babylonian captivity, made a firm decision to remain faithful to God's laws. In Daniel 1:8 , it is recorded, "But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the king’s food or wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself in this way." Daniel's decision to adhere to his dietary convictions, despite the pressures of a foreign culture, illustrates his steadfast commitment to serving God. New Testament Teachings In the New Testament, Jesus Christ emphasizes the necessity of decision in following Him. In Matthew 6:24 , He teaches, "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." This teaching underscores the exclusivity of devotion required in serving God, highlighting the impossibility of divided loyalties. The Apostle Paul also speaks to the decision to serve God, urging believers to present themselves as living sacrifices. In Romans 12:1 , he writes, "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." This call to decision involves a total commitment of one's life to God, reflecting a conscious choice to serve Him wholeheartedly. Conclusion Throughout Scripture, the decision to serve God is portrayed as a critical and defining moment in the lives of believers. Whether through the examples of Joshua, Elijah, Ruth, Daniel, or the teachings of Jesus and Paul, the Bible consistently calls individuals to make a deliberate choice to follow and serve the Lord with undivided devotion. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 56:6Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keeps the sabbath from polluting it, and takes hold of my covenant; Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Existence of Moral Evil, or Sin, Reconciled with the Holiness ... Diversities in Modes of Religious Development, and in The The Dispensation of the Divine Favours Reconciled with the ... The Theory of the Church, and the History of Its Perversion. 1 Cor. x. 13 The Church of Rome in the Third Century. The Last Interview of Paul with the Elders of Ephesus. Letter xvi. Charity. The Empress Eudoxia from the Story of Christian Womanhood in Old ... Luther's Separation from Rome. Resources What is decisional regeneration / decision theology? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the valley of decision (Joel 3:14)? | GotQuestions.org What are the biblical principles for solid decision-making? | GotQuestions.org Decision: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Decision: Exhibited in Being on the Lord's Side Decision: Exhibited in Blessedness of Decision: Exhibited in Following God Fully Decision: Exhibited in Keeping the Commandments of God Decision: Exhibited in Loving God Perfectly Decision: Exhibited in Seeking God With the Heart Decision: Exhibited in Serving God Decision: General Scriptures Concerning Decision: Necessary to the Service of God Decision: Opposed to a Divided Service Decision: Opposed to Double-Mindedness Decision: Opposed to Halting Between Two Opinions Decision: Opposed to not Setting the Heart Aright Decision: Opposed to Turning to the Right or Left Valley of Decision: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms |
    |