In this very important election season in the United States, many have chosen who they will vote for to serve as president for the next four years. I know I have.

But a far more important decision with consequences now, as well as eternal ones, is whom we will choose to worship and obey.

When ancient Israel was about to enter the land God had promised to give them, they had a choice to make. Having lived in Egypt for 400 years, many had begun worshipping the gods of their taskmasters.

God brought them out of Egypt with a great show of power, reminding them Who He was – the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – and inviting them into fellowship with Him.

There had been a great pull for some to go back to what was familiar to them. Even though they had suffered under cruel slavery, it was all they had known. Change was not easy.

Many did not whole-heartedly embrace Yahweh, choosing idol worship that might include sensual pleasure as part of it. At any rate, it seemed easier to go along with those around them, than to listen to the prophets of God.

Some did not want to submit to only Him.

But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord .”
Joshua 24:15 NLT

There was no confusion in Joshua’s mind.

We cannot serve the gods of this world, be they statues we bow down to, political correctness that seeks to define us, or the many other forms of idolatry. Not if we are going to call ourselves Christian.

Please don’t be deceived. Following Jesus means getting to know Him and His ways through His holy word, the Bible. It means surrendering our wills to His, praying, and obeying. That is the proof that we are a Christian – one who follows Christ.

Remember that our God is not who we say it is. Our God is who we serve.

When the focus of our lives is ourselves, or any other person, that is our god. We are to love only Almighty God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

It is important to examine ourselves to make sure our lives line up with His word. Jesus didn’t give His life to save us so we could live a life of self-indulgence – worshipping other gods (which are not really gods at all).

We need to pray we will all stand firm on the declaration,”… as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”