Choose for Yourselves This Day Whom You Will Serve
Life is full of choices. Some seem small—what to eat, where to go, what to say. Others are much bigger and shape the direction of our entire lives. The Bible gives us powerful reminders about how important those choices really are.
In the book of Numbers, we read about Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. They were leaders among the people of Israel, but they chose to rebel against Moses, the man God had appointed to lead them. God warned the people to step away from them. Then, in a dramatic moment, the ground opened and swallowed them, and everything connected to their rebellion (Numbers 16:31–33). It was a tragic picture of what can happen when pride and poor choices take the lead.
We may not see the ground opening today, but we do see the consequences of bad decisions all around us. Talented people with bright futures sometimes fall because of destructive relationships, substance abuse, greed, or simply ignoring wise counsel. Often, there were voices telling them to slow down, turn around, and choose a better path. Sadly, there are also voices in this world that profit from people’s destruction. As Jesus said, the enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10).
The truth is, every one of us needs guidance. Life can be confusing. Job said our days can be “few and full of trouble.” But here’s the encouraging part: God doesn’t leave us to figure it out alone. James 1:5 tells us that if we lack wisdom, we can ask God—and He will give it generously. God is not trying to mislead us. He promises that when we listen, we will hear His direction, saying, “This is the way; walk in it” (Isaiah 30:21). His plans for us are filled with hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).
So today, the same choice still stands before us. God says, “Choose life… choose blessing” (Deuteronomy 30:19). Joshua put it plainly: “Choose this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:15).
Every day, in big ways and small ways, we are choosing. Are we going to follow the crowd, our impulses, and the loudest voices around us? Or will we choose to follow the living God, who leads us toward life, peace, and lasting hope? Let’s choose wisely. Let’s choose life. Let’s choose God.
Numbers 16:31-33
New International Version
31 As soon as he finished saying all this, the ground under them split apart
32 and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households, and all those associated with Korah, together with their possessions.
33 They went down alive into the realm of the dead, with everything they owned; the earth closed over them, and they perished and were gone from the community
John 10:10
New International Version
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Job 14:14
New International Version
14 “Mortals, born of woman, are of few days and full of trouble.
James 1:5
New International Version
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you
Isaiah 30:21
New International Version
21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”
Jeremiah 29:11
Amplified Bible
11 For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Deuteronomy 30:19
New International Version
19 This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live
Joshua 24:15
New International Version
15 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.”
