On the final Wednesday evening of 2008, one of the young men here offered the invitation. He did an excellent job of showing us how life really comes down to two choices-following God, or following the world. One of the things he said in his presentation really made me think: "In order to follow one course, a person must turn his back on the other. If we are going to follow God, we must turn our backs on Satan and the world. Those who follow Satan or the world must turn their backs on God."

Neutrality is not an option for those who seek to follow after and serve the Lord. Those who decide to do nothing have chosen to continue following Satan. Jesus taught this same truth while He was on earth. He said, "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." {Matthew 6:24} We cannot stand on the sideline and watch; we must choose a side. Let's briefly examine our two options.

The way of the world. "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever." {1 John 2:15-17} The road taken by one who determines to go the way of the world accommodates one of several possible viewpoints. One can choose to go all the way with the world and leave God out completely. He can walk the proverbial tightrope by attempting to remain neutral. Or he may try to justify doing things he doesn't really want to admit are worldly. Any side road chosen takes him in the wrong direction and leads to destruction.

The way of God. "I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." {Ephesians 4:1-3} Undoubtedly, God's way is more difficult. "Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." {Matthew 7:14} God's way has limitations, directions, laws, a standard, and of course self-denial. (Matthew 16:24-26; James 4:4-8} Jesus said, "He who is not with Me is against Me," {Matthew 12:30}.

Life is full of choices, but none are more important than the ones we make regarding our spiritual direction. The two paths do not cross; they are in complete conflict with each other.

Dear reader, your choice has eternal consequences. Choose carefully and soberly. Which path have you chosen?