NOT UP FOR DISCUSSION

READING: JOSHUA 24:14-18

Verse 15: “And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve...But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

Today’s thought begins with a Bible question. Here’s the question. What did Saul, the first king of Israel, have in common with Aaron the brother of Moses and priest over Israel? The answer is that both pleased the people under their authority instead of exercising godly leadership. Also, in both cases, the consequences were great! Since not many are placed in positions of leadership over nations, this point may not seem very pertinent on the surface. It is true, however, that most of us have to face times of decision between what we know to be right and what others want us to do or support. Good preparation for such times even before they occur, is to make appropriate preparations in advance. We can do that by making the choice and the commitment to exercise godly responses no matter what circumstances arise. The chances of wavering in some future decision can be reduced by, in the present, following the example of Joshua. We can constantly and sincerely determine “as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Accordingly, when the challenge comes we can already have a made up mind. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. What do you think was the result of Joshua’s statement?

2. About what do you have a “made up mind”?