Lately, I’ve found myself captivated by Korean dramas, drawn in by the complex characters and compelling storylines. What started as a simple pastime quickly grew into something more—an escape, a world where I could imagine living the lives of these characters. At first, I believed it was harmless entertainment, a way to pass the time. Yet, as days turned into weeks, I noticed a shift in my heart. I became increasingly engrossed, not just in the dramas themselves, but in the actors’ lives, following them closely on social media, eagerly hoping for their real-life romances to mirror the screen.
But as I poured more of myself into this fictional world, I began to sense a distance growing between me and God. My prayers felt hollow, my connection to Him weakened. It dawned on me that my heart was no longer centered on Him—my source of joy had shifted to something, or rather someone, else.
This realization opened my eyes to a truth that many of us face: our hearts can easily be filled with things other than God. For some, it might not be idols or entertainment, but the pursuit of wealth, success, or other worldly desires. The Bible gives us a powerful reminder through the words of Joshua, who faced a similar challenge among his people:
"But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15)
Joshua’s words are not just a simple invitation; they are a call to decisive action. He doesn’t leave room for indecision or half-hearted devotion. He knew that the people needed to make a clear and deliberate choice. Would they commit their lives fully to the Lord, or would they allow their hearts to be divided, torn between God and the fleeting desires of the world?
This choice is as relevant today as it was then. We, too, are faced with the decision of who or what will reign in our hearts. Will we serve the Lord with all that we are, placing Him above everything else in our lives? Or will we allow our hearts to be divided, giving in to the temptations that pull us away from our Creator? Joshua’s challenge urges us to examine our lives closely, to consider where our true allegiance lies. His words compel us to choose, and to choose wisely, for the path we take will shape not only our earthly lives but our eternal destiny as well.
In a world filled with distractions and competing loyalties, Joshua’s declaration stands as a beacon of unwavering faith. It reminds us that serving the Lord is not just a matter of words, but of daily choices and actions. It is a call to dedicate our lives wholly to God, to let Him be the center of our existence, and to trust that in serving Him, we will find true and lasting fulfilment.
Jesus echoed this sentiment when He said:
"No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." (Matthew 6:24)
In these words, Jesus addresses a universal struggle—the tension between our spiritual calling and the temptations of the material world. He makes it clear that our hearts cannot be divided between two masters. If we claim to love God, then He should be the center of our lives, the one who fills our hearts with joy, peace, and purpose. Yet, how often do we find ourselves seeking fulfillment in other things? Whether it’s wealth, success, relationships, or even the approval of others, these pursuits can easily become idols, subtly taking the place that belongs to God alone. This is the heart of the matter that Jesus is addressing. These things, though not inherently bad, can become dangerous when they start to occupy the place in our lives that should be reserved for God alone. We must be intentional about what we allow to fill our hearts, minds, and souls.
To serve God wholeheartedly, we must be willing to surrender anything that competes with Him for our devotion. This requires a deep and ongoing commitment to examine our priorities and to align them with God’s will. It means letting go of the desires and ambitions that pull us away from Him, trusting that His presence is all we truly need.
May we find the strength to break free from the chains of earthly desires that seek to enslave us. Let us turn our hearts fully toward God, seeking His guidance and grace in every aspect of our lives. As we do, we can trust that He will fill us with a joy and peace that surpasses all understanding—a joy that is not dependent on the fleeting pleasures of this world but is rooted in the eternal love of our Creator.
In the name of Jesus Christ, who lives forever and ever, may we find the courage to choose Him above all else, and may our hearts be filled with His presence, now and forever. Amen.