And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…
Joshua 24:15
As we close the book on 2021, let us take a moment to make for the first time, or reaffirm, our commitment to serve the Lord Jesus Christ. As Joshua challenged the people of Israel, there is a choice to make. And that choice is followed by an endless series of choices every day as the rivals for our affection and devotion present themselves over and over. Sometimes the choices are downright sinful. Many more times the temptation to serve what isn’t God is more subtle. Remember, besides choosing between good and bad, we are more frequently challenged to choose between what isn’t bad, or even good, but what is best.
Let us follow Joshua’s exemplary commitment, “as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
New Years is a great time to make a fresh start regarding our affections and our actions. Let us deal soberly and severely with any known sin. Let us commit to a fresh start with devotion to the Lord, His Word, and His Church. Let us reaffirm our commitments to being truly Christian families (spouses, parents, children, siblings, etc.). Let us make 2022 a year of spiritual growth for each of us, and for all of us. May I pray for you?
Heavenly Father, Jesus our Lord, and Blessed Holy Spirit, may Your grace, and patience with us inform and empower our desire to serve You like never before. May we find liberty and joy in worshiping and following You. And when we stumble, may we be quick to confess our sins and receive your faithful forgiveness and cleansing from all unrighteousness! I pray this in the powerful name of Jesus. Amen!