In the Book of Joshua 24:1, 14-15, Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel at Shechem and addressed them, saying: “Fear the Lord and serve him completely and sincerely. Cast out the gods your ancestors served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. If it does not please you to serve the Lord, decide today whom you will serve: the gods your fathers served beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose country you are dwelling. As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

Joshua told the people to choose whom they would serve: the demonic gods or the Living God; however, as for him and his household they would serve the Living God. Elijah was also to later ask the people of Israel to choose whom they would serve. For he came to the people and said: “How much longer will it take you to make up your minds? If the Lord is God, worship him; but if Baal is God, worship him! But the people did not answer him.” (I Kgs. 18:21).

Every military person takes an oath of allegiance to serve their country. Similarly, as a spiritual soldier of Jesus Christ, you, too, must pledge your allegiance to Jesus Christ.

A military person cannot pledge allegiance to their country and, at the same time, pledge allegiance to another country. Similarly, a soldier of Jesus Christ cannot pledge allegiance to him and, at the same time, pledge allegiance to the devil. Likewise, a person cannot enjoy the grace and friendship of Jesus Christ and, at the same time, be friends with the luciferous enemies of Jesus Christ. “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.” (Matt. 6:24). Choose whom you and your household will serve.

Light and darkness cannot harmonize. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? (II Cor. 6:14b-16). As believers, we must choose to align ourselves with Christ, rejecting the temptations and deceptions of the enemy. This means being vigilant in our faith, nurturing our relationship with God through prayer, scripture, and fellowship.

The devil promises people power, fame, and fortune if they should bow down and worship him. His promises are false because he is a liar and the father of lies (Jn. 8:44). He promises what he does not have and what he cannot give. In addition, the earth and everything in it belong to the Lord. (Matt. 4:9 Psa. 24:1). When the devil promised to give Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and all its glory, Jesus rightfully told him: “Begone, Satan, for it is written: you shall worship the Lord your God, and him alone shall you serve.” (Matt. 4:10).

Surrender your will to God. “Submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you.” (Jas. 4:7-8). Surrender your will to God, and he will free and protect you from spiritual bondage and dangers, your victory in all your spiritual battles will be assured, and the Lord will preserve you in the sure road to your eternal salvation.

Let us pray. O Lord God Almighty, I humbly beseech you to make me a faithful soldier of Jesus Christ. Grant me new strength against the enemies of my eternal salvation, enlist me under your banners, and enable me to become a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Help me to fight the good fight, and to never cease in the fight against those enemies that war against my soul. Let me never be carried away by the influence of ungodly examples, or be led to commit any act of wickedness or blasphemy against you, O God. O most high Lord, make me valiant for your cause, and grant me your protection. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.