The phrase "choose whom you will serve" is a call to decision and commitment that resonates deeply within the Christian faith. While it is not a direct quote from the New Testament, it echoes a significant moment in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Joshua. This moment is pivotal in understanding the nature of faith and commitment in the Christian life.
In Joshua 24:15, Joshua, the leader of the Israelites after Moses, stands before the people and presents them with a choice: "But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." This declaration is a profound moment of decision, emphasizing the importance of choosing whom to serve with intentionality and dedication.
This call to choose is not just an Old Testament concept but is carried forward into the New Testament in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. The New Testament continuously emphasizes the necessity of making a conscious decision to follow Christ, which is the essence of living with faith.
In the Gospels, Jesus often speaks about the cost of discipleship and the need for a decisive commitment to follow Him. In Matthew 6:24, Jesus states, "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." Here, Jesus is highlighting the impossibility of divided loyalty. This principle underscores the necessity of choosing whom you will serve, as divided allegiance leads to a compromised faith.
Moreover, in Luke 9:23, Jesus extends an invitation that requires a choice: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me." This call to discipleship is not passive but requires an active decision to prioritize Jesus above all else. It is a daily commitment to serve and follow Him, which aligns with the call to "choose whom you will serve."
The apostle Paul also echoes this sentiment in his letters. In Romans 6:16, Paul writes, "Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?" Paul presents a dichotomy similar to Joshua's, urging believers to choose obedience to God, which leads to righteousness, over slavery to sin.
The theme of choosing whom to serve is deeply embedded in the Christian understanding of faith as a relationship with God that requires commitment and fidelity. Faith, in this sense, is not merely intellectual assent but involves the whole person—heart, mind, and will—in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
This decision to serve God is also a response to His initiative. The Bible teaches that God first chose us. In Ephesians 1:4, Paul writes, "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight." Our choice to serve God is a response to His gracious choice of us, a reciprocation of His love and grace.
Christian literature also reflects this call to choose whom to serve. In "Mere Christianity," C.S. Lewis discusses the importance of making a choice about Christ. He famously argues that Jesus does not leave us the option of being neutral about Him. Lewis asserts that Jesus is either Lord, liar, or lunatic, and we must choose which we believe. This echoes the biblical call to make a decisive choice about whom we will serve.
In practical terms, choosing whom to serve involves aligning our lives with the teachings of Jesus and allowing His lordship to guide our decisions, values, and actions. It means prioritizing our relationship with God above all else and allowing that relationship to shape our identity and purpose.
The decision to serve God is not a one-time event but a continual choice that we reaffirm daily. It involves a commitment to live by faith, trusting in God's promises and guidance. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that "without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." This verse underscores the necessity of faith in our relationship with God and the importance of choosing to live in a way that reflects that faith.
Living with faith also means embracing the challenges and sacrifices that come with following Christ. Jesus warned His followers that the path of discipleship would not be easy, but it is the path to true life. In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus says, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." Choosing whom to serve often means taking the narrow road, which requires faith, courage, and perseverance.
Ultimately, the call to choose whom you will serve is a call to enter into a covenant relationship with God. It is a commitment to love, serve, and obey Him, trusting in His faithfulness and grace. This choice is foundational to the Christian life, shaping our identity and guiding our journey of faith.
In summary, while the phrase "choose whom you will serve" is rooted in the Old Testament, its implications are profoundly present in the New Testament and the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. It is a call to make a decisive commitment to follow Christ, to live by faith, and to allow that faith to guide every aspect of our lives. This choice is not only an individual decision but also one that impacts our families, communities, and the world as we live out our faith in service to God and others.
