JOSHUA 24:15

But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

TO PONDER

"I am the Lord your God, you shall have no other Gods." This is the first Commandment as provided to Moses by God (inscribed on the tablets of stone) on Mount Sinai.  I often think that the developed Western world that we live in today in relative luxury and comfort, provides a multitude of additional gods that may attract us, and indeed distract us from keeping the first Commandment. As Christians, we know and have learned that a reference to other gods is not just gods that we literally may worship but in fact, anything that comes between us and Christ our Saviour. This might even be one's family if the family is positioned as a higher priority than God. Equally, other gods may be money and financial wealth, reputation, fame or fortune, sport, the arts or earthly possessions. 

In this text from Joshua, we are instructed in no uncertain terms to make a choice today of whom we follow. To choose means exactly as the word suggests. That is, God allows the human-race to willfully decide for themselves to follow Him. The other striking point for me from our text is that we are told that the choice we are to make is an immediate one. Today!  If we ponder on this a bit further, it goes without saying that if we are 'putting off' following God for something else right now, (even if this is only for a very short duration) we have another god that we are worshipping given it takes priority over Christ. 

Another observation for me in Joshua's message today, is the impact that we can have on others by openly demonstrating our faith as Christ's followers. Our choice to proclaim God as our maker and Saviour through our actions of love and care each day, will have an influence on others. Our family, friends, work colleagues and even total strangers that God will bring into our lives as we go about our usual day. 

Today's message is clear. Make your choice now, place the Lord at number 1 above all other things and watch the impact that this has on others around you as God works through you.

PRAYER: Lord of all. It is my sinful human nature to want to prioritise things here on earth over submitting my whole-self to You and following You. For this, I ask your forgiveness. Help me to understand the importance of Your missionary work here on earth through me, and the impact my Christian actions will have on others around me daily.  Amen  

Today's devotion written by Shane Burdack, LifeWay Epping