Joshua 24:15
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.”
Increasingly, our American culture is permeating the consciousness of every nation on earth. You can see it in the styles they wear. The food they eat. You can hear it in their voices, notice it in their attitudes, and watch it transform their economies. We are powerful. That’s because the American dream is intoxicating. The American way of life is the envy of the the entire world. Well, almost the entire world; because there are a few that refuse to succumb to the lore of capitalism, and enticements of self-indulgencing personal rights and privileges. There is a remnant that (no matter the consequence) has doggedly decided not to follow Americanism, but to follow Jesus.
I pray you thoroughly understand that God is not American, nor does he sanction American ideology. Did you realize when we pray, Thy Kingdom come, and will be done on earth as it is in heaven, you are in essence calling for the end of democratic rule? God’s Kingdom is not a democracy. The Kingdom of God is a theocracy. And self governance, individual rights, voting, voicing your opinion and having it your way is not allowed in a theocratic monarchy. God, and God alone will have the first word, the second word, and the final word in the lives of all in His Kingdom.
I know these statements infuriate the sensibilities of y’all good old American folk. Somehow, we’ve been hoodwinked into believing that God somehow loves us more than any folk on earth. Some would go as far as suggesting there’s salvation in being a good American. But the truth is far from that. God loves the world, and everyone in it. I’m afraid, our arrogance and self-aggrandizement will come back to haunt us one day soon.
The people of Israel lived for thousands of years awaiting the arrival of their Righteous King. But during that time, many fell away and started following other religious traditions, serving other gods, and embracing other cultures. But Joshua held fast to the One True God, and in a declaration that has transcended time, culture, nations and ideologies, has established a statement for the ages…as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
But you must ask yourself, in the context of our current cultural paradigm, exactly what does serving the Lord really mean? Is it simply going to a building we call church to clap our hands, sing and pray? Is it serving the poor and destitute? Is it giving tithes and offerings? What is it?
I’m glad you asked. I’ve long been a fan of those movies and tv series that depict the era of great kings and monarchs. I love the pageantry and glory. But what really makes it special is the absolute power the king possesses. His rule is unrivaled. His word is law. And his wish becomes our command. But it doesn’t stop there. In biblical times societies were comprised of families and tribes that were responsible to uphold certain kingdom principles and practices as directed by the king. Each family’s task may be different, but one the goal of everyone was the same. Each family fights for the king to establish the culture of the kingdom.
Is it coming to you now? The Kingdom of Christ is one. One Lord, one faith, one baptism. One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. Remember, Jesus prayed that we would be one. The fact we may have our individual homes doesn’t preclude us from maintaining and fighting for oneness of Spirit.
As a mission, we all seek to bring God’s Kingdom to earth. Our goal is to convince every person that Jesus loves. Our objective is to recruit, train and deploy soldiers that are able to t battle against the forces of darkness. And our strategy is unrelenting, impartial, universal love. Often, that’s the missing element. Love for everyone. Everywhere.
Brothers and sisters, I don’t know what motivates you. I don’t know what your plan regarding Christianity may consist of. And I don’t know what you do in your house; But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. We are fighting that We May be One. We are planting the love of Christ across every division, every separation and every faction designed to impede our unity. We fight for Christ. Upholding his core values. Kingdom values.
God bless
