Imagine standing at a crossroads, with two distinct paths before you—one leading toward complete devotion to God, the other toward the world’s distractions.
Every decision you make nudges you further down one of these roads. Are you actively choosing God’s path, or are you drifting toward the world’s distractions?
A Daily Choice of Commitment
Joshua 24:15a “Choose you this day whom ye will serve.”
Every single day, whether we realize it or not, we make choices about what we are committed to. Some people are committed to their careers, their families, their hobbies, or even their own comfort.
But ultimately, our greatest commitment is a spiritual one. Who are we truly serving?
Another way to phrase Joshua 24:15a could be: “Choose you this day whom ye will commit to and worship.”
The Bible provides a sobering example of what happens when this commitment wavers.
In the very next book after Joshua, we see in Judges how quickly the Israelites compromised their worship of YHWH by blending it with idol worship. What started as seemingly small compromises led to widespread spiritual decline.
This raises an important question for us today: Are we also making small compromises that weaken our devotion to God?
The Danger of Compromise
Compromise often begins subtly. It can stem from ignorance of God’s Word, a gradual shift in priorities, or distractions that pull us away from wholehearted devotion. The psalmist recognized the importance of knowing Scripture deeply, stating:
Psalm 119:11 “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”
Can you confidently say that you know God’s Word well enough to discern right from wrong?
Hosea 4:6 warns us about the consequences of spiritual ignorance: “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”
This isn’t just a warning for ancient Israel—it applies to believers today. Many churches have grown weak or even died because those filling the pews were not grounded in Scripture. They drifted, compromised, and ultimately lost their commitment.
This is why 2 Timothy 2:15 is so critical:
2 Timothy 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
How seriously do we take this command? Do we live as if this verse is true? Or do we assume that a casual, surface-level faith is enough?
Satan doesn’t need you to deny God outright—he just needs you to be comfortable in compromise. A little distraction here, a little neglect there, and soon, we find ourselves drifting from our original devotion.
Distractions That Pull Us Away
Compromising our commitment doesn’t always come in the form of outright rebellion. More often, it happens through distractions and misplaced priorities. We live in a world filled with noise—social media, entertainment, work, and even good things that can take precedence over God if we are not careful.
Three years ago, we saw fear distract many believers. The global pandemic introduced an atmosphere of uncertainty and worry. However, Scripture reminds us that fear is not from God:
2 Timothy 1:7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
Faith, not fear, is what God desires from us. Ephesians 6:16 urges us to take up “the shield of faith,” and Romans 1:17 declares:
Romans 1:17b “The just shall live by faith.”
Our faith should not be limited to salvation alone. God calls us to trust Him in every aspect of our lives. Whether facing uncertainty, financial struggles, or personal trials, we are to live by faith, not by fear or worldly wisdom.
What is one distraction in your life that is stealing your focus from God? Is social media, entertainment, or even ministry itself taking priority over personal worship?
Living a Life That Glorifies God
If we claim to love God, our actions should reflect that love. One of the most well-known promises in Scripture assures us that everything in our lives is working toward God’s good purpose:
Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
But do we truly believe this? Are we willing to trust God with our lives and choices, or do we only say we love Him while still trying to control everything ourselves?
The Bible calls us to commit everything we do to God, no matter how small:
1 Corinthians 10:31 “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
This means that worship isn’t just about what happens in church on Sundays. Our entire lifestyle should reflect our commitment to Him. It’s easy to put on a spiritual mask once a week, but true commitment is about daily obedience and devotion.
James 2:17 reminds us: “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” Faith is not just belief—it’s action. What we commit to daily reveals whether we live for God or the world.
Are We Truly Committed?
So, who are you committed to? Are you fully devoted to God, or have distractions, fear, or compromise crept in?
It’s time for a heart check. Joshua’s challenge to the Israelites is just as relevant today: “Choose you this day whom ye will serve.”
Will we serve the world, our own desires, or the one true God?
Let us be intentional about our commitment. Let us study His Word, stand firm in faith, and live in a way that glorifies Him every day.
Reflection Questions:
- Have you made small compromises in your faith that have weakened your commitment to God?
- Are distractions keeping you from a deeper relationship with Him?
- How can you prioritize studying God’s Word and living by faith daily?
- What specific steps can you take today to renew your commitment to serving God?
Commit today to serve the Lord wholeheartedly—not just on Sundays, but in every moment of your life.
Recommended Resource:
“Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus” by Kyle Idleman
Idleman challenges readers to move beyond being casual fans of Jesus to being fully committed followers, a great complement to the themes of devotion and choice in your post.