Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
One of the spiritual problems Israel faced when in the land was syncretism, the combining of two or more opposing belief systems into one’s life. Israel wanted it both ways: to have the blessings of God on the one hand and to get whatever favors they could get from the world at the same time. It wasn’t that they rejected Yahweh, but it was that they wanted other gods as well.
Joshua says, “choose one or the other, and serve that one.” Be wholly committed to the One True God 100%, and do not compromise by adding other gods, man’s ideas, things of the world, or self-centered considerations. Elijah says, “How long will you limp along on two opinions? If God is God, serve Him; if Baal, then serve Him.” Jesus says, “You cannot serve God and Mammon.” John says, “Love not the world.”
God’s Word speaks with black and white clarity: make a commitment! Get off the fence: believe God and worshipfully receive His Grace; or reject His love and trust the world, the devil, and your own flesh for every good thing. Choose! This day and every day. Weigh your options and prayerfully make a choice. As the example, Joshua made his choice.
In and by ourself we must admit that we will always choose other things alongside God. But through the gospel the Spirit calls us and grants faith to make the only one exclusive choice: we will serve the Lord. The Holy Spirit living in us continually makes the right choice in daily repentance and faith.