Joshua 24:14-15 “So now: Fear God. Worship him in total commitment. Get rid of the gods your ancestors worshiped on the far side of The River (the Euphrates) and in Egypt. You, worship God. “If you decide that it’s a bad thing to worship God, then choose a god you’d rather serve—and do it today. Choose one of the gods your ancestors worshiped from the country beyond The River, or one of the gods of the Amorites, on whose land you’re now living. As for me and my family, we’ll worship God.”.

Joshua had come to the end of his life. He had led the people into the land, and now he called them together once more to deliver his final covenant sermon. They gathered at Shechem. That is the place where Abraham built an altar, and Jacob buried the idols.

The message was very simple. The people had to choose whom they wanted to serve. Did they want to serve the gods of Egypt? Did they want to worship the gods of the Canaanites? Or did they want to serve the God who had saved them from slavery?

The people were clearly being told that they couldn’t have their bread buttered on both sides. We know that God is a jealous God and wants the undivided attention of His children. If you choose other gods, you automatically choose against God.

When Joshua said that we must serve God with everything inside us, he meant with our heart, habits, money, secrets and our whole life.

This command is meant for you and me, too. We must choose God only and nothing else. That is why we must get rid of things that slip between God and us. Things that steal your love and your attention.

That is why we must choose right as Joshua did and say out loud, “As for my family and me, we are going to serve the Lord.” And these are not just nice words. It’s a decision to get rid of all the noise every day, and to choose to do what God wants us to do.

We choose to serve God with our whole life.

Prayer
Father, I do not choose the gods the world offers me. I choose You, only You. My family and I choose You …

Questions
What things are currently stealing my attention and love away from God?
Are there areas in my life where I am still trying to live with “two gods”?
What does it look like practically for me and my family to put the Lord first?

Do this now
What things are currently stealing my attention and love away from God?
Are there areas in my life where I’m still trying to live with “two gods”?
What does it look like practically for me and my family to put the Lord first?