Choose today

Joshua puts down his foot and gives a final admonition to the Israelites. He was old and was about to go back home along with his ancestors. This is the final thing he wants to stir the hearts of the children of Israel with.

"Choose today"

You cannot serve two masters - you will end up despising one.

And when you choose, you have to choose to do that with all your heart. You can pursue something without putting your whole effort.

There are two ways to study.

1️⃣ Put your full effort. Might not result in very high scores. But you are sure you have put your whole effort, the best of your ability.

2️⃣ Not fully dedicated. In malayalam the word is "ഉഴപ്പ് _ uzhappu". Marks will be low, a just pass (which is what they want) or even fail.

In the second one, because you don't put your whole effort, the conclusion is that, a better effort is put on something else, may be playing or other extracurricular activities. May be boozing or partying or "enjoying" life. May be other responsibilities on family or society _ which means your full dedication is to that. Your whole hearted effort.

So here Joshua urges to serve the Lord or follow Him with your whole heart. He admonishes to choose that. How do I do that? How do I continually do that?

By loving Him with all your heart, mind and soul. All things done, all efforts taken without love is Mechanical or robotic.

You can be regular in your quiet time, but not love Him.

You can be active in ministry, without love.

You can be a leader in your church, without love to Him.

You can do many great things for Him, yet without love.

1 Cor:13:1-3

Everything has to be motivated by love. Unless without love, it becomes mechanical. How can I be motivated by love?

📎 Think of what He has done for you on the cross - often. Keep reminding yourself of the depth of the pit you were in and where you have been seated right now.

📎 Think of how He has led you and guided you this far - often. People more deserving and hard working than you were there.

📎 Set stones of remembrances, set altars that you will remember. That's how journalling helps.

📎 Set aside a day or half alone with God, free from the tussles of life, to look back with thanksgiving. That's how personal retreats help.

📎 Look at even small things as means to thank God. That opens up your eyes to be thankful for more. That's how words of praise and Thanksgiving helps.

May God enable us.