What does it look like to choose to serve the Lord? To be grounded and rooted in the Word of God that it does not sway to the left or the right. A life that lives by faith, not by sight. One that is not anxious about the circumstances or events of this world, but rather, is consumed with the things of God.
To live for Christ, to die is gain (Phil. 1:2).
It looks like a surrendered life.
A life that wants God to be lifted up and glorified. For example, a sacrificial life that lays down their self-centered, ego-seeking, tower-building life to pursue God more than anything else.
We see this kind of life in Joshua. He was the military commander under Moses who was sent to investigate the Promised Land in Numbers 13. Twelve men in total were sent out, one from each of the tribes of Israel. Upon their return, ten of the men reported that yes, indeed, the land is all that God promised. It is bountiful. rich. and good.
However, there is one caveat. There are some big, ferocious warriors living in the fortified city and so…seriously people…we should just stay put. We should just stay here where we are comfortable and our surroundings are familiar. We should not venture too far. Let’s wrap our kids in bubble wrap and live where it is safe and warm.
Fear Not
But two men, Joshua and Caleb, stood up. They saw life through a heavenly lens. And believed God’s promise to give the Promised Land to the Israelites. Interestingly, they weren’t consumed with what everyone else thought of them. And they weren’t okay with the status quo.
And Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes and said to all the congregation of the people of Israel, “The land, which we passed through to spy it out, is an exceedingly good land. If the Lord delights in us, he will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land that flows with milk and honey. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their protection is removed from them, and the Lord is with us; do not fear them.” Then all the congregation said to stone them with stones. But the glory of the Lord appeared at the tent of meeting to all the people of Israel. Numbers 14:6-10
They were not afraid of the size of the situation.
They were not content to go with the flow.
Instead, they KNEW God and remembered His faithfulness.
And they believed that God could do it again.
They knew God had rescued the Israelites from the Egyptians. And they knew God had parted the Red Sea. Also, they knew they crossed on dry land. Thus, they believed that God could do it again.
At the end of Joshua’s life, he once again pleas for his people to repent and keep their eyes steadfast on God.
And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15
You see, we have a choice.
We can choose. It’s a choice to accept the spiritual gifts offered to us right now. We can choose peace during chaos. Joy in the monotony. Hope in bleak circumstances. Forgiveness when undeserved. To love the unloveable. Finally, we can live like Jesus today.
It all comes down to one question: How are you going to choose to live?
Prayer: Lord, you alone are worthy of my heart affections. Help me this day to choose to serve you with all of my heart, soul, and mind.