We are a society consumed and overwhelmed with options. No matter where we go, we are bombarded with a variety of choices. Fries or tater tots, sweet or un-sweet, aisle or window, “HD” or “4K.” We are free to choose whatever our heart desires. The Lord has given His creation some options as well. We can serve the Lord in righteousness, or we can ignore Him in rebellion, the choice is ours. The Lord wants us to serve Him, but He will not force us to do so (Cf. Deuteronomy 30:15 & Joshua 24:15). He made us free moral agents meaning we have the distinct ability to exercise freedom of choice. However, it would be wise to consider the consequences of the choice you make. If you choose to ignore the Lord, His way, and His will, you will be rewarded accordingly for doing so. Paul reminded the Corinthians of this principle. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad, 2 Corinthians 5:10. Choosing to enjoy the temporal pleasures of sin (Hebrews 11:25) will be rewarded in this life and the next. Who can deny that the way of the transgressor is hard (Proverbs 13:15) or that sin is a reproach to any people (Proverbs 14:35). Furthermore, when this life is over those who have ignored the Lord will be rewarded with eternal destruction (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). Conversely, those who choose to obey the Lord and follow His ways will enjoy a much better reward. The follower of the Lord comes behind in no spiritual gift. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, Ephesians 1:3 (Emp. MWS). They enjoy the benefits of employing godly wisdom (Proverbs 3:13-18). Moreover, the godly will be welcomed into that eternal city when this life is over. Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city, Revelation 22:14. These are the rewards of the just and the unjust. You may choose to ignore God and His ways, you may choose to wave your fist at Him in rebellion, or you may choose not to believe in Him at all. You are certainly free to make that choice. However, weigh your options carefully. One day you will pass from this life, you will stand face to face with the Creator of this world and He will reward you based on the choice you made. If you have chosen to follow the Lord and His way rest assured your choice is not in vain and the reward that awaits will far exceed your expectations.
