I’ve heard it said, “The road of life is paved with flat squirrels who couldn't make a decision.”
You’ve seen it happen. With the car quickly approaching, the little squirrel decides to cross the road. Halfway across, the squirrel experiences a sudden change of mind and reverses direction. After just a few haltering steps, the squirrel changes its mind again and reverses course. This back-and-forth goes on until the car settles the issue, and the little squirrel learns the hard way that indecision is a killer.
The Bible warns us about the danger of indecision. The prophet Elijah confronted the people of Israel who were paralyzed with indecision, “How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” (1 Kings 18:21 NIV). So entrenched was their indecision that even after hearing that stirring rebuke the people said nothing. No response. They were not willing to commit either way.
The Hebrew word translated “hobbling” in 1 Kings 18:21 is interesting. The word is used in the sense of limping; walking with a weak and uncertain gait. For a while the Jews would walk toward Jehovah, but not strongly. They would then reverse course (like the squirrel) and walk toward Baal, but not earnestly. The back-and-forth dance was making God sick! “So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth” (Rev. 3:16 NKJV).
Approaching the Christian life with an attitude of indecision will have the same result as a positive decision against Christ. Faltering dedication doesn’t work. Half-hearted repentance never saved anyone. Neither does the Book of Life record the names of the part-time committed. With Jesus it is all or nothing.
Understanding the importance of a decisive commitment, the Proverb writer gave this word of instruction, “Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil” (Proverbs 4:26-27). The safe path is that of a lifelong, unwavering decision for Christ. It’s the quality of commitment expressed in the song, “I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back.”
Walk strongly and steadfastly with the Lord. Anything less is just another flat squirrel on the road of life.
Pastor Todd Weston
You’ve seen it happen. With the car quickly approaching, the little squirrel decides to cross the road. Halfway across, the squirrel experiences a sudden change of mind and reverses direction. After just a few haltering steps, the squirrel changes its mind again and reverses course. This back-and-forth goes on until the car settles the issue, and the little squirrel learns the hard way that indecision is a killer.
The Bible warns us about the danger of indecision. The prophet Elijah confronted the people of Israel who were paralyzed with indecision, “How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” (1 Kings 18:21 NIV). So entrenched was their indecision that even after hearing that stirring rebuke the people said nothing. No response. They were not willing to commit either way.
The Hebrew word translated “hobbling” in 1 Kings 18:21 is interesting. The word is used in the sense of limping; walking with a weak and uncertain gait. For a while the Jews would walk toward Jehovah, but not strongly. They would then reverse course (like the squirrel) and walk toward Baal, but not earnestly. The back-and-forth dance was making God sick! “So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth” (Rev. 3:16 NKJV).
Approaching the Christian life with an attitude of indecision will have the same result as a positive decision against Christ. Faltering dedication doesn’t work. Half-hearted repentance never saved anyone. Neither does the Book of Life record the names of the part-time committed. With Jesus it is all or nothing.
Understanding the importance of a decisive commitment, the Proverb writer gave this word of instruction, “Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil” (Proverbs 4:26-27). The safe path is that of a lifelong, unwavering decision for Christ. It’s the quality of commitment expressed in the song, “I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back.”
Walk strongly and steadfastly with the Lord. Anything less is just another flat squirrel on the road of life.
Pastor Todd Weston