How does Joshua 24:15 challenge you to choose whom you will serve today? Setting the Scene “But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15) Joshua’s farewell address presses Israel to a decision after rehearsing God’s saving acts. The same choice confronts us: Will we serve the LORD exclusively, or will we drift toward the idols of our culture? Facing the Same Fork in the Road • The command is urgent—“this day.” Delayed obedience is disobedience (cf. 2 Corinthians 6:2). • The command is personal—“choose for yourselves.” No one else can decide your allegiance (Romans 14:12). • The command is exclusive—“serve the LORD.” Like Elijah on Carmel, Scripture permits no middle ground (1 Kings 18:21; Revelation 3:15-16). • The command is public—“as for me and my house.” Our decision should shape our family and be visible to others (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). What Choosing Looks Like Today 1. Mind: Shape your thinking by God’s Word (Psalm 119:105). 2. Heart: Love Him supremely (Exodus 20:3; Matthew 22:37). 3. Will: Submit daily plans and long-range goals to His lordship (Proverbs 3:5-6). 4. Strength: Invest time, talents, and resources for kingdom purposes (Romans 12:1). Common Modern “Gods” We Must Reject • Materialism—serving wealth and possessions (Matthew 6:24). • Individualism—elevating autonomy above obedience (Judges 21:25). • Entertainment—allowing pleasure to dictate priorities (Philippians 3:19). • Approval—seeking human applause over divine commendation (John 12:43). How to Lead Your Household in Serving the LORD • Establish rhythms: family meals, shared worship, Scripture reading. • Model repentance: confess sins openly and pursue reconciliation (1 John 1:9). • Celebrate God’s faithfulness: recount answered prayers and providence (Psalm 78:4). • Guard inputs: curate media, friendships, and activities that shape affections (Proverbs 4:23). Daily Practices That Keep the Choice Fresh • Morning surrender: “Here I am, send me” (Isaiah 6:8). • Scripture memory: hide His Word for ready resistance to temptation (Psalm 119:11). • Gratitude journal: rehearse God’s benefits to fuel loyalty (Psalm 103:2). • Accountability: invite trusted believers to ask hard questions (Hebrews 10:24-25). Encouraging Promises for Those Who Decide for the LORD • Sustaining grace—He equips what He commands (Philippians 2:13). • Abiding presence—“I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). • Eternal reward—“Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). Choose today. Then choose again tomorrow. A lifetime of daily choices becomes a legacy that echoes Joshua’s confident declaration: “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” |
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