Defining Moments

‘...choose for yourselves this day...’ Joshua 24:15 NKJV

It was a defining moment when Joshua said to Israel, ‘…choose for yourselves…as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.’ (Joshua 24:15 NKJV) First, in our life, defining moments show us who we really are. Our defining moments usually come as a surprise and happen during times of crisis, such as facing a personal failure, taking an unpopular stand, suffering without complaining, being asked to forgive or making a hard choice. Sometimes, defining moments occur when we don’t see them for what they are. It’s only afterwards, as we look back, that we understand their importance. Either way, they show us who we are. Secondly, defining moments show others who we are. Most days we can wear a mask, but during defining moments we can’t. Our image means nothing. Neither does our resolve or connections. We’ve no time to put a spin on our actions. Whatever is truly inside us is revealed to everyone. As a leader, defining moments tell the people following you who you really are, what you stand for, and why you’re leading. Handled well, a defining moment can bond leaders and followers for life. Handled poorly, it can end your ability to lead. Thirdly, defining moments determine who we will become. You’ll never be the same person after a defining moment. That’s because defining moments are not normal, and what’s ‘normal’ doesn’t work in these times. Defining moments are like intersections in our lives-they give us an opportunity to turn, change direction, and seek a new destination. They present options and opportunities. In these moments, we must choose. And the choice we make will define us!