As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. (Josh. 24:15)
BILL GOTHARD sent birthday cards to everyone in his senior high school class. In each card, he asked, “What do you consider to be the most important things in life?” The top three answers were love, happiness, and hope. Even today, people look for love in relationships. They think money, sex, and power will bring them happiness. And they put all their hope in themselves. The results of self-centered lifestyles are unmet expectations and disappointments.
Bill followed up with phone calls to everyone who answered his questions. “Did you know you could have love, joy, and hope through a relationship with a living God?”
The principal asked the young evangelist, “Are you trying to bring everyone in your class to salvation in Jesus Christ?”
“Yes,” Bill answered.
Self-centered lives are as idolatrous as the pagan worship of Joshua’s time. He said, “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (v. 15).
Bill Gothard presented the gospel in no-nonsense terms people could understand. Like Joshua, he led people to make choices to live for God. You and I can follow his example by using simple language to share God’s love.
Prayerfully remind yourself throughout the day: love, joy, and hope—Jesus is the answer.
Sue Tornai lives with her husband, John, and dog, Maggie, in Carmichael, California. They enjoy camping and fishing at Lake Almanor in Northern California
