Choosing Who You Will Serve

Life is full of decisions - some big, some small. But certain choices become turning points that redirect our future and even change our character. These pivotal moments force us to answer important questions: Will I forgive or hold a grudge? Will I maintain integrity when no one's watching? Will I live for myself or for God?

In our final message of the "Turning Points" series, we explored how Joshua created a turning point for the entire nation of Israel and what that means for our lives today.

A National Turning Point

In Joshua 24, we find Joshua at the end of his life. The Israelites had left Egypt, wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, and were now in the Promised Land. But something wasn't right, and Joshua knew he needed to address it before he died.

At Shechem, the same place where Abraham first built an altar to the Lord, Joshua issued a challenge to the people:

"Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:14)

The "fear of the Lord" Joshua mentions isn't about terror, but reverence and honor for what God had done for them - bringing them out of wilderness, causing the walls of Jericho to fall, providing manna from heaven, etc. He called them to serve with sincerity and faithfulness - not halfheartedly, but all the way.

Why Were the Israelites Struggling with Idolatry?

Despite experiencing God's miraculous provision, the Israelites had carried idols with them from Egypt. They were also being tempted by the gods of the nations they had conquered. Joshua recognized the absurdity of this - why worship the gods of nations they had already defeated through the power of the one true God?

Joshua made it clear: "You can't serve God and these idols. You have to make a choice."

The Unavoidable Choice

"If serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose 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)

Notice that Joshua doesn't say "if you will serve." He assumes everyone will serve something. The question isn't if you will serve, but who you will serve. There's no neutral ground or middle path - you must choose.

How Did the Israelites Respond to Joshua's Challenge?

The people responded enthusiastically: "Far be it from us to forsake the Lord to serve other gods." They committed to putting away their idols and serving God alone.

Joshua, knowing their history, challenged them further: "You are not able to serve the Lord, for he is a holy God." This wasn't meant to discourage them but to ensure they understood the seriousness of their commitment.

They insisted, "No, we will serve the Lord!" So, Joshua established a covenant renewal, and it became a turning point for the nation.

Unfortunately, as the rest of the Old Testament shows, they repeatedly failed to keep this commitment. They would serve the Lord for a while, then turn away, then return when things got difficult - a cycle that repeated throughout their history.

What Does This Mean for Christians Today?

Fast-forward to Galatians 5:25, where Paul writes: "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit."

Like the Israelites, the Galatians were being pulled in different directions by false teachings. Paul was saying, "This is a turning point for the church. You have to choose."

Living by the Spirit refers to our salvation - the new birth and the Holy Spirit's work in us. Keeping in step with the Spirit is our daily walk, requiring God's grace and redemption every day.

What Are the Modern Idols That Compete for Our Devotion?

Both Joshua and Paul confronted God's people with the same essential question: Who will you serve? This question remains relevant for us today. Every generation, every believer, every church must answer it.

Modern idols might include:

Success: Believing achievements define our worth

Money: Placing security in bank accounts rather than God

Comfort and pleasure: Finding identity in entertainment or addictions

Politics or power: Becoming so focused on these that they become gods

Self: Living as if we are the center of the universe

Religion: When Christianity becomes about legalism and rules rather than relationship

All these things can take the place of Jesus in our lives. Some seem harmless or even good, but they become problematic when they become our primary focus.

How Can We Make a Personal Turning Point Decision?

Imagine if we, as God's people, stood up and declared like Joshua: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." If each of us focused on influencing those within our sphere rather than worrying about the chaos in the world, think how different our communities would be.

The truth is, everyone serves something. The question is not if you will serve, but who you will serve.

Today can be a turning point. We can choose to reject the false gods around us and walk with the one true God.

Life Application

This week, I challenge you to identify the "little gods" that may have crept into your life. What competes for your devotion? What do you chase after that isn't God? What consumes your thoughts, time, and resources?

Make a deliberate choice like Joshua did, saying, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." This isn't a one-time decision but a daily commitment to keep in step with the Spirit.

Ask yourself:

What idols do I need to put away in my life?

How can I demonstrate that God is first in my priorities this week?

In what areas am I serving something other than God?

What would change in my family, workplace, or community if I truly lived out "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord"?

Remember, everyone serves something. The question is not if you will serve, but who you will serve. Choose wisely.

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