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Every individual stands at the crossroads of will at various junctures in life, moments when the direction of their spiritual journey is determined by the choices they make. The path of faith is one such direction, a road less traveled, requiring a conscious decision to walk in alignment with the teachings and precepts of Jehovah. This chapter examines the gravity of these decisions and the impact they have on one’s relationship with God.

The Decision of Faith Is Personal

Choosing to walk with God is inherently a personal decision. It is not inherited or gained by association but made in the quiet recesses of one’s heart. The story of Ruth, a Moabite woman, illustrates this beautifully. Despite her foreign background and the death of her Hebrew husband, she chose to cleave to Naomi and to Jehovah, declaring, “Your people will be my people and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16). Her choice was voluntary, personal, and transformative.

The Challenge of Choice

Choice by its nature implies the presence of alternatives. In the realm of faith, this often translates to the pull between God’s way and the way of the world. Elijah presented such a choice to the Israelites on Mount Carmel, challenging them to decide between Jehovah and Baal (1 Kings 18:21). Today’s believer faces similar choices, not on a mountain perhaps, but in the daily circumstances of life where choosing God’s way requires intentional rejection of the contrary.

The Role of the Heart

In the Scriptures, the heart is often symbolic of one’s inner life and inclinations. The condition of the heart greatly influences the choice to walk with God. King David is an example of a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22), not because he was without fault, but because his heart was inclined towards Jehovah, prompting him to make choices that reflected repentance and a desire for divine fellowship.

The Power of the Will

The human will is a powerful faculty given by Jehovah. It is the ability to choose that reflects God’s image in humans. The Bible does not advocate for a fatalistic approach to faith but rather presents the will as an active participant in the journey of faith. Joshua’s declaration to the Israelites, “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:15), underscores the active role of the will in spiritual commitment.

The Influence of the Mind

A decision for God is not made in a vacuum but is often a battle of the mind where truth contends with falsehood. The Apostle Paul knew this when he exhorted believers to be transformed by the renewing of their minds (Romans 12:2). A renewed mind equipped with scriptural truth is essential for making choices that are in harmony with God’s will.

The Cost of Discipleship

Choosing the path of faith is also to acknowledge the cost of discipleship. Jesus himself spoke of counting the cost, of carrying one’s cross daily to follow Him (Luke 14:27-28). The choice to walk with God is not a call to a trouble-free life but to a life of purpose and, sometimes, sacrifice.

The Impact of Environment

Environment and associations can influence the choices one makes about their walk with God. Daniel’s resolve not to defile himself with the king’s food (Daniel 1:8) is indicative of the proactive choices required to maintain one’s walk in a potentially corrupting environment.

The Consistency of Choice

Walking with Jehovah is not a one-time choice but a series of daily decisions. Just as Israel had to collect manna each day, believers must daily choose to seek and follow God’s guidance. The daily prayer of the psalmist, “Teach me your way, O Jehovah” (Psalm 27:11), captures the essence of this ongoing choice.

The Assurance of Divine Aid

While the decision to walk with God rests with the individual, it is not made without divine assistance. Jehovah’s spirit acts as a helper, illuminating the mind and strengthening the will. This is not to suggest an indwelling in the charismatic sense, but a recognition of how God’s word and providence work to guide and sustain the believer in their choices.

The Promise of Reward

Finally, the Scriptures offer a promise of reward for those who choose to walk with Jehovah. The book of Revelation speaks of a new heaven and a new earth for those who overcome (Revelation 21:1-7). It is the ultimate fruition of a walk begun in faith, sustained by choice, and completed in glory.

In essence, choosing to walk with Jehovah at the crossroads of will is a testament to the power and significance of free will in the divine-human relationship. It is an invitation to engage in the most consequential pursuit known to man: the pursuit of a faithful and purposeful life under the lordship of Jehovah. This choice is not a momentary declaration but a lifetime of deliberate and prayerful decisions that align with God’s sovereign purpose, ultimately leading to a destiny that fulfills His creative intent for humanity.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).