Devotional

A Testimony Worth Leaving

2 min read

“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” — Joshua 24:15

Near the end of his life, Joshua gathered Israel and reminded them that they were enjoying blessings they had not produced: land for which they had not laboured, cities they had not built and vineyards they had not planted (Joshua 24:13). These gifts testified to God’s faithfulness.

Joshua’s response was not passive gratitude. Because God had been faithful, Israel should fear Him, put away its idols and serve Him sincerely. The repeated word serve matters. A servant has a master, and service involves intentional labour. “Choose you this day whom ye will serve” was not merely a decision for one dramatic moment; it described a choice that would shape ordinary days.

We all serve someone or something, and we are often very good at serving ourselves. Joshua calls us to examine what our time, speech and priorities reveal.

For a father, service may begin at home: opening God’s Word at the table, sharing what he has learned, helping his family memorise a verse, or admitting where he needs grace. For another man, it may mean faithfully joining a ministry, encouraging someone younger in the faith or stepping outside his comfort zone to meet a need.

Joshua’s greatest legacy was not Jericho, military victory or public leadership. He was a faithful man who believed what God said. As a young man, he heard God’s Word. As a leader, he trusted God’s Word. As an old man, he testified to God’s Word.

One day, our lives will also be remembered. People may forget our employer, possessions and achievements. They are more likely to remember what we loved, spoke about and prioritised—and whom we served.

Get into God’s Word and stay in God’s Word. Read it. Meditate upon it. Memorise it. Share it. Let it shape your thinking, decisions and conduct. The Word that prepared Joshua for battle and sustained him through trials remains available to us today.

Consider

  • What does your present use of time suggest that you serve?
  • How can you bring God’s Word into the life of your household or church this week?
  • What testimony do you hope your life will leave?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness and for blessings I could never earn. Put away the idols of my heart and teach me to serve You sincerely. May my life point others not to me, but to Your goodness and sufficiency. Amen.