Some verses echo louder than others. Joshua 24:15 is one of those verses stitched on wall hangings, woven into family prayers, and anchored in sermons that call us to commitment. But behind the well-known words is a fierce and tender challenge:
“Choose this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
It’s not just a verse for décor, it’s a declaration of devotion in a distracted world.
1. A Decision at Shechem
Joshua speaks these words at Shechem, a sacred site in Israel’s story. It’s where Abraham first heard God’s promises (Gen. 12:6), and where Jacob buried foreign idols (Gen. 35:2–4). Now, generations later, Joshua gathers the people once more, not to fight, but to choose.
After recounting God’s faithfulness, from Egypt to the wilderness, and finally into the land of promise, Joshua presses the people:
“You’ve seen what God has done. Now who will you serve?”
This isn’t a guilt trip. It’s a reality check.
2. The Illusion of Neutrality
Joshua doesn’t leave room for vague spirituality. He lays out the options plainly:
- The gods of your ancestors.
- The gods of the Amorites.
- Or the Lord, who has walked with you every step of the way.
Notice the boldness: Joshua assumes people will worship something. The question isn’t whether you will worship, but who.
Neutrality is a myth. Fence-sitting is, in itself, a form of choosing.
We often think indecision keeps our options open. But in the spiritual life, delay is often disguised disobedience.
3. Leading by Example
In a moment that still moves hearts thousands of years later, Joshua says:
“But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
No opinion poll. No waiting to see what the majority thinks. Joshua chooses first and his choice shapes his household.
He’s not boasting. He’s not imposing. He’s demonstrating that faith starts with conviction and flows into the spaces we inhabit, our homes, our conversations, our influence.
In a culture where everyone’s waiting to see who’ll go first, Joshua steps up. His life says: Even if no one else does… I will.
4. Idols Are Often Familiar
Here’s what’s striking: Joshua doesn’t just mention the foreign gods of the Amorites, he also names ancestral gods. Sometimes the things that pull us away from God aren’t wild temptations, but familiar comforts we’ve inherited unexamined.
Old habits. Old mindsets. Old loyalties.
Joshua isn’t only asking Israel to reject the gods of others — he’s asking them to release whatever keeps them from wholehearted faith.
That’s never easy. But it’s necessary.
5. Today Still Asks the Same Question
Joshua’s words don’t age. Every generation must choose. Every believer must decide. Every family must discern what kind of spiritual atmosphere will take root in their home.
Today’s idols wear different clothes, success, convenience, achievement, pleasure — but they whisper the same lie: “You can have all this… and God too.”
But Joshua knew better. Worship is exclusive. Loyalty can’t be split. God doesn’t want part-time followers, He invites whole-life surrender.
6. Scripture Reflection Questions
Use these prompts in personal devotion, family discussion, or group study:
- What “gods” old or new are competing for your heart?
- How have you seen God’s faithfulness in your own journey, as Joshua recounted for Israel?
- In what ways can you echo Joshua’s declaration in your own household?
- Are there patterns or mindsets you’ve inherited that might need to be surrendered?
- What does it look like for you to choose the Lord today?
7. Suggested Reading:
- Deuteronomy 30:15–20 – The call to choose life
- 1 Kings 18:21 – Elijah’s confrontation with indecision
- Romans 12:1–2 – A life of worship
- Matthew 6:24 – Serving two masters
- Revelation 3:15–16 – Lukewarm faith
