“…choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…But as for me and my house, WE WILL 1SERVE THE LORD.” (Jos. 24:15) 1‛âbad: to work, to labor, to serve as subjects. No one wants someone to do anything for them if they are not committed to it. God expects SINCERE COMMITMENT from us. When we give our best, our wholeheartedness, we will find God, will always be there in time of need.
“So fear the LORD and SERVE HIM WHOLEHEARTEDLY...” (Jos. 24:14) To understand this scripture we need to understand the meaning of wholeheartedness. Wholeheartedness means to be fully or completely sincere, enthusiastic and energetic. “Jehoshaphat gave these orders: “You must SERVE FAITHFULLY AND WHOLEHEARTEDLY in the fear of the LORD.” (2 Chron. 19:9)
Now here is how our serving God has somewhat changed since the crucifixion and our introduction to being “born again.” Now we are children of God, His blood washed offspring. “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the SPIRIT OF ADOPTION by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that WE ARE CHILDREN OF GOD, and if children, then heirs—HEIRS OF GOD AND JOINT HEIRS WITH CHRIST…” (Rom. 8:15-17) Now we are children of the Lord God Almighty and joint heirs with Jesus Christ our Lord and savior!!!
BY THE SPIRIT OF ADOPTION WE ARE CHILDREN OF GOD…
-Bill Stockham