13-minute read

Table Of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Remember
3. Consider
4. Decide
5. Conclusion

Introduction

Life is full of choices, and the decisions we make shape our destiny. Joshua, at the end of his life, stood before Israel and challenged them to make the most important choice of all: “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).

Just as Joshua charged Israel, we too are called to examine where our loyalty lies. We cannot serve two masters; our devotion must be to God alone or elsewhere. Before we make that choice, let us first remember and consider.

Remember

Joshua gathered Israel at Shechem—the very place where God first promised Abraham that his descendants would inherit the land. The people were standing on a fulfilled promise. Joshua reminded them that everything they had—victory in battles, land, prosperity—was not because of their own strength, but because of God’s faithfulness.

Likewise, we must remember that all we are and have comes from God. It is He who gives us the ability to work, succeed, and even to live. Most importantly, it is God who has given us salvation through Jesus Christ, calling us out of darkness into His marvelous light.

When we forget, we become proud and rely on ourselves. However, when we remember, we recognize that it is God who has been faithful from the beginning.

Consider

After recalling God’s faithfulness, Joshua urged the people to consider carefully. Was it “undesirable” to serve such a faithful God?

Jesus Himself encouraged us to count the cost of following Him. True discipleship requires sacrifice—it may cost us comfort, friendships, and even our reputation. As Paul reminds us in Romans 8:18, the sufferings of this present life cannot compare with the glory that awaits us.

The message here is clear: take time to evaluate. Serving God may not be easy, but the reward far outweighs the cost.

Decide

Finally, Joshua calls Israel to a decision: “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.” There is no neutral ground in faith. Indecision is a decision. To delay or to remain lukewarm is to choose against God.

Joshua’s bold declaration—“But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”—sets the example of spiritual leadership. Every believer must make a stand. God rejects lukewarm faith; He calls us to wholehearted devotion.
Deciding means putting away every idol and making God our first priority. It means serving Him in sincerity, truth, and faithfulness. When we put God first, everything else in our lives falls into its rightful place.

Conclusion

Joshua’s words echo through history to us today: It’s time to choose.

Will we serve God wholeheartedly, or will we cling to the idols of comfort, success, or compromise? There is no middle ground.

Let us, like Joshua, rise up and declare with conviction:
“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”