“Therefore be very courageous to keep and to do all that it is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, lest you turn aside from it to the right hand or to the left, and lest you go among these nations, these who remain among you. You shall not make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause anyone to swear by them; you shall not serve them nor bow down to them, but you shall hold fast to the Lord your God, as you have done to this day.” Joshua 23:6-8

This was Joshua’s farewell address to the Israelites. Where was he going? Nowhere. After the passing of Moses, he was put in charge to lead the Israelites to the promise land. But now he is at that old age of dying and addresses the elders, charging them to remember what God had done for them.

Before his departure, Joshua reminds the Israelites that they are to be courageous and to keep the commandments. He gives them a clear exhortation on not following other gods and serving the living God, Yaweh. And we need to do the same. Us Christians need to be courageous and obey everything that is written in the scripture. Why? Because there are fatal consequences that follow if we do not. Plus, if we are His children, then we must obey Him. What resides within your heart? Is it your job position where you hold authority, your nice ride in the garage, the dollar amount in your bank account, or is it the electronic device that you cannot depart from? All of which are not bad, but if they are placed above God Almighty Himself, then they are your god. Take inventory and then take caution.

Joshua concludes by telling the Israelites to “hold fast to the Lord your God”. Why? Because He has not only saved them but provided for them, fed them, poured grace on them, and continues to love on them. If we hold fast to the Lord our God, then we hold fast to an eternal life of praising Him. But if we don’t, then we hold fast to the death and punishment that awaits.

Do not turn the right or left. Let Jesus be your focus!