CHOOSE YOU THIS DAY WHOM YOU WILL SERVE
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Joshua 24:14-15
Key Verse: “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15)
Supporting Texts: Deuteronomy 30:19; Matthew 6:24; Romans 12:1; Revelation 3:15-16; 1 Kings 18:21
INTRODUCTION:
Life is a series of choices, and one of the greatest decisions anyone can ever make is whom to serve. Joshua, at the close of his life and ministry, gathered the people of Israel and challenged them to make a defining decision to serve the Lord wholeheartedly or to follow other gods. This challenge was not just to Israel but to every generation that must decide where their loyalty truly lies.
Serving God is not by chance or inheritance; it is a personal commitment that comes from a willing heart. Joshua made a bold declaration: “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” His statement reflected conviction, determination, and total allegiance to God. True service to God begins when we make Him the center of our lives, placing Him above every other pursuit or idol.
Today, God still calls His people to make a clear choice. In a world filled with distractions, compromises, and conflicting values, believers must take a stand for God. The decision to serve Him wholeheartedly determines the direction of our lives, the peace in our homes, and the fulfillment of our destinies.
1. THE CALL TO SERVE GOD WHOLEHEARTEDLY
Serving God is not a half-hearted venture; it requires total devotion and sincerity of heart.
a) Serve the Lord in sincerity and truth (Joshua 24:14): God demands undivided loyalty. He detests double-mindedness in worship.
b) Forsake false gods and worldly idols (Exodus 20:3): To serve God faithfully, we must renounce anything that competes with His place in our hearts.
c) Serve God out of love, not obligation (Deuteronomy 10:12): True service flows from gratitude and reverence for who God is.
d) Serve God consistently (1 Corinthians 15:58): Let your service to God not be seasonal or circumstantial but constant and steadfast.
Biblical Example: Daniel served God wholeheartedly even in Babylon. His devotion was unwavering despite pressure and opposition (Daniel 6:10).
2. THE IMPORTANCE OF MAKING A CHOICE FOR GOD
Every believer must decide who they will serve. Indecision is itself a decision that often leads to compromise.
a) Choosing God is choosing life (Deuteronomy 30:19): God sets before us life and death, blessing and cursing, and calls us to choose life by following Him.
b) No one can serve two masters (Matthew 6:24): Divided loyalty leads to confusion; we must choose between serving God or mammon.
c) A clear choice strengthens your convictions (1 Kings 18:21): Elijah challenged Israel to stop wavering between two opinions and to decide who is truly God.
d) The choice for God must be daily renewed (Luke 9:23): Serving God is a daily commitment to follow Him and deny the flesh.
Biblical Example: Ruth made a firm decision to follow the God of Israel, declaring, “Your people shall be my people, and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16).
3. THE REWARD OF THOSE WHO CHOOSE TO SERVE GOD
Serving God comes with great spiritual, physical, and eternal rewards. God never forgets the labour of those who love and honour Him.
a) God honours those who serve Him (1 Samuel 2:30): Those who choose to serve the Lord faithfully will be lifted and honoured by Him.
b) God provides and protects His servants (Exodus 23:25-26): Serving God brings blessings, health, and divine preservation.
c) God rewards faithfulness with eternal joy (Matthew 25:21): The faithful servant receives commendation and everlasting glory.
d) Serving God secures generational blessings (Psalm 112:1-2): The righteousness of a faithful servant affects his descendants positively.
Biblical Example: Abraham chose to obey and serve God, and his obedience brought generational blessings to his offspring (Genesis 22:16-18).
4. CONSEQUENCES OF REFUSING TO SERVE GOD
Neglecting or rejecting God always leads to spiritual decay, defeat, and destruction.
a) Turning away from God invites bondage (Judges 2:11-14): Israel’s disobedience led them into oppression by their enemies.
b) Idolatry brings divine judgment (Deuteronomy 8:19-20): Serving other gods provokes God’s anger and results in loss of blessings.
c) Lukewarmness leads to rejection (Revelation 3:15-16): God rejects those who are neither hot nor cold in their devotion.
d) Refusing to serve God leads to eternal separation (Matthew 25:41): Those who reject God’s call to serve will face eternal condemnation.
Biblical Example: King Saul lost his kingdom because he disobeyed God and served his own will instead of following divine instructions (1 Samuel 15:22-28).
CONCLUSION:
Serving God is a choice that every person must make for themselves. It is a decision that determines not just your present life but your eternal destiny. Joshua’s bold declaration remains a timeless challenge to every believer, to serve God wholeheartedly and lead their families to do the same.
Today, God is calling you to reaffirm your loyalty to Him. Choose to serve Him faithfully, regardless of the pressure or cost. As you make this decision, you will experience peace, fulfilment, and lasting reward, for those who serve God never serve in vain.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, I thank You for the privilege to know and serve You.
2. Father, forgive me for every form of divided loyalty in my heart.
3. Lord, help me to make a firm decision to serve You wholeheartedly.
4. Every idol and distraction competing with Your place in my life, be uprooted in Jesus’ name.
5. Lord, strengthen my will to remain faithful to You even in challenging times.
6. Father, empower me to serve You with sincerity, faithfulness, and joy.
7. Lord, make my home a house that serves and honours You always.
8. Every spiritual weakness hindering my service to God, be destroyed by fire.
9. Lord, reward every labour of love I render in Your kingdom with visible blessings.
10. Father, let my life be a testimony that serving You is the best decision anyone can make.
