The Worst of Both Worlds | Joshua 24:15

“But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15 NLT)

 

Are you trying to live in two worlds? If so, then I know something about you. I know you’re not happy. Am I right? When you spend time around other Christians, you’re uncomfortable because of your sin. On the other hand, when you’re doing things you know you shouldn’t as a Christian, then you have the conviction of that sin.

I have an idea: Stop doing that stuff. Make your choice. As Joshua said to the Israelites, “Choose today whom you will serve. . . . But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15 NLT). Every one of us must make that same decision. I can’t make it for you, and you can’t make it for me.

Are you in a relationship that’s dragging you down? Think hard about the apostle Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 6:14–15: “Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever?” (NLT). Are you doing things that are weakening your resolve? Think about the disadvantage you’re creating for yourself and the opening you’re giving your spiritual enemy.

Trying to live in two worlds is like trying to pitch a tent in no man’s land during a battle. You’re setting yourself up for constant bombardment. You’ll face spiritual battle after spiritual battle, and your enemy will have the advantage in every one of them.

I’m not saying it’s easy to turn your back on sin. We all get tempted. We all struggle with our old nature. And as Christians, we all have a God who will give us the strength to do what He has called us to do.

It comes down to this: Do you want to change? If you do, then God will give you the resolve you need. In Exodus 3, the Lord spoke to Moses through a burning bush. He instructed Moses to return to Egypt to demand that Pharaoh release the people of Israel from slavery. Moses’ reply went something like this: “I can’t do this. I don’t know what to say. I stumble over my words.”

Two chapters later, Moses faced off against Pharaoh, perhaps the most powerful man on earth at the time. The sudden change wasn’t due to Moses’ self-improvement regimen. God gave Moses the strength he needed to accomplish His will.

In the same way, God will give you the strength to do what you need to do. Don’t live in two worlds. Make a complete commitment to Jesus.

 

Reflection question: Why is it so tempting to try to live in two worlds? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship!

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