Renew

And the people said to Joshua, “We will serve the Lord our God and obey him.” Joshua 24:24

The way we live shows others the strength of our commitment to serving God. Joshua’s story in the bible is a perfect example of that statement in action. He was determined to set an example of living by his decision, regardless of what others decided. In his own words he declared, “Choose this day whom you will serve, but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)

Reading this passage today took me back to the first day that I committed my life to the Lord. That was almost 25 years ago. I remembered the passion and fire that burned within me to know Him more and to live differently. I thought of the day I was baptized symbolizing my commitment to lay down my old life and rise to a new life with Christ. Then I took a hard look and my life today. Do I still have the same passion, the same fire within?

I’ll admit that I often let the cares of this world interfere with my commitment. I’ve made excuses for not spending more time in His Word. I’ve justified my attitudes towards others and been slow to forgive. I’ve been impatient with God and wanted my own way. All of which have demonstrated that my commitment is lacking.

But thankfully we serve a God who is always faithful even when we are not. Over and over again in the bible are stories of renewing commitments, of seeking God, repenting and reigniting the passion and fire for Him.

So today, that is what I’m doing. I’m recommitting my life, heart and soul to my Savior. Today I am choosing whom I will serve and I declare for myself, “as for me, I will serve the Lord.”