We all serve someone or something unless we are a hermit in a cave. Joshua reminded the Israelites of all the wondrous, saving deeds of power that God had worked for them during the Exodus. As they entered the Promised Land, he exhorted them to serve God and no others. But if they refused to serve God, then he demanded that they choose whom they would serve. We have to make fundamental choices rather than drifting through life with no sense of direction. Each day we are given opportunities to renew our commitment to serve God alone. Let us not waste these opportunities, for we never know when we will be called upon to show our loyalty to God.

The disciples had to make a similar decision after Jesus taught them about eating his body and drinking his blood. Many left - this was just too much to accept! Jesus asked the Twelve if they were going to leave. Peter spoke for them all: To whom shall we go, Lord? You have the words of eternal life. He didn't understand everything, but if he remained true to his commitment and to the journey, he would grow into deeper understanding. When we are discouraged, let us remember that we don't have to understand everything in order to remain with Jesus. If we understand who he is and that he has what we need and yearn for, then we can remain on the path and walk in faith. But we need to choose, and choose daily, rather than merely drifting along as a superficial or unenthusiastic Christian.