Then the people answered, “Far be it from us to forsake the Lord to serve other gods!” (Josh. 24:16)
The Hebrew people proclaimed to Joshua they would never serve other gods. But Joshua warned them to watch their words. Joshua had been in the land with Caleb. He knew of the foreign-god worshipers who dwelt there. He understood their practices might influence the Hebrews once they dwelt among them.
Today, there is so much that can distract us from worshiping God. Having Sunday or the Sabbath for rest is no longer a societal must. It is a day for chores, errands, and get-togethers. Even kids’ sports are scheduled on Sundays.
Our quiet prayer time is affected as well. Cell phones buzz; children argue over the bathroom; dogs bark to be walked. Our schedules seem so tight that we rely on the calendars in our cell phones to buzz us when the next thing is coming up in order to keep it all straight. When we do get to relax, more than likely it is in front of some electronic device like a TV, MP3, Kindle, or computer. Those are the “other gods” we serve—the ones that monopolize our time.
If you tithed your day to be with God in prayer or service to others by being His hands and feet, it would take two hours and twenty-four minutes each day. Few of us could do that. How would we find the time?
Look at all you have to do this week and ask who you are serving first and foremost.
Julie B. Cosgrove is a widowed Christian author and speaker who lives in Fort Worth, Texas. She is involved with women’s and outreach ministries.
