God has given all of us free will. This means every day we have hundreds of choices to make.

Some choices are obvious, like should I eat something because I am hungry? Should I wash my hands after going to the bathroom? Should I brush my teeth? What should I wear today?

Other choices might take more thought and have more of an impact.

• Should I join the gym (and actually go) or sit at home and watch TV after work?
• Should I save money out of my paycheck for the future or spend it on stuff for now?
• Should I pray before eating or dive into the meal? (I am really hungry.)
• Should I kneel down and pray before bed or do it with my head already on the pillow even though I know I am so tired?
• Should I crack open the scripture or read the new mystery novel I just got from Amazon?
• Should I go out with friends to (insert name of place) where I may be surrounded by people doing things that might not align with my morals?
• Should I wake up early and go to church on Sunday morning or sleep in and lounge around in my PJs? (It’s my only day off.)
• Should I verbally stand up for what I believe in or keep quiet so I don’t cause a stir among my co-workers?

Should I serve God or not?

As Matthew 6:24 says, we can’t serve both God and mammon. Like in a marriage, we have to be fully committed. We can’t have one foot in and one foot out. Being a weekend Christian doesn’t earn us a ticket into Heaven.

It’s true, though, that some choices are easier at certain seasons of life than others. Being a new mom, a business owner, and wife among all other hats that I wear, I struggle with finding time to adequately serve God. (I feel like those who are retired have an easier time to serve God because there’s less commitments elsewhere, but I know that’s probably not true.) Even though it is a struggle some days — or weeks, even — God knows my heart as He knows everyone’s.

Like I tell my clients with exercise and nutrition, all we can do is our very best. We will fall short some days, but we can’t let that stop us from going forward. And, of course, God is ever loving and forgiving, so if we do make the wrong choice — and inevitably we will — He forgives us and welcomes us back when we sincerely repent.

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.