Who Are You Serving?
Author: Ayodeji Oludapo
Date: January 22, 2025
Scripture: "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." – Joshua 24:15
Devotional Thoughts
Every day, we make choices—what to eat, what to wear, where to spend our time. But the most important choice we make is whom we serve. Joshua stood before the people of Israel and made a bold declaration: He and his household would serve the Lord, regardless of what others decided.
In our world today, we have many distractions—money, success, comfort, entertainment, relationships—all of which can take the place of God in our hearts. While none of these things are necessarily bad, they become idols when they take priority over our relationship with God.
The Israelites faced a similar challenge. They had seen God's power in delivering them from Egypt, providing for them in the wilderness, and giving them victory in the Promised Land. Yet, they were still tempted to serve the gods of the surrounding nations. Joshua’s challenge was clear: Make a decision! Either serve God fully or go after the other things, but stop wavering.
Serving God is the most important decision anyone could make, but it comes with a cost. Jesus said in Luke 9:23, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me." It’s a daily commitment to surrender our will for His.
It also means trusting Him completely. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." True service to God requires faith, obedience, and surrender. But in return, He promises to guide us and prosper our ways.
Practical Reflection
Take a moment to evaluate your life. What are you prioritizing most?
Are there things—habits, ambitions, distractions—that are taking the place of God in your heart?
If someone looked at your life, would they be able to tell that you serve the Lord?
Serving God isn’t just a one-time decision; it’s a daily choice. It means aligning your heart, mind, and actions with His Word. It means trusting Him even when it’s hard. It means standing firm in faith even when others go a different way.
Closing Thoughts
Joshua’s bold declaration is an example for us today. No matter what the world does, we must stand firm and say: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
The question remains: Who are you serving? If you haven't made a firm decision, today is the day to do so.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I choose You today. I don’t want to be distracted by the things of this world or serve anything that takes me away from You. Help me to take up my cross daily and follow You. Give me the strength to trust in You with all my heart and not lean on my own understanding. Lead me in Your ways, and let my life be a testimony of Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.