GOD’SCORNER

by Gertrude M. Puelicher

IN THESE STRANGE days of distrust, mistrust and no trust whatsoever, the philosophy of Joshua, leader of the Israelites after Moses, is as refreshing as a sudden plunge into the spring-fed waters of our northern lakes.

When Joshua found that his people were worshiping strange gods, he summoned them to a meeting that included even the elders and the judges. With the oratorical skill of the great leader that he was, dramatically he rehearsed all the Lord had done for them. Step by step, he built up to his climax when he thundered, “Choose you this day whom ye will serve.” In the stunned silence that followed, again his voice rang out clearly and firmly. “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord,” he said.

What a powerful influence our American homes could again exert in the lives of our young people were all parents to state with that same assurance, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” The quiet finality of that announcement would prove a measuring rod for all the members of the family, parents as well as children. It would also lessen the impact of, and eventually discredit, those who are proclaiming the decline in importance of the home as well as of the family unit.

To serve the Lord is to live in a constant acknowledgment of Omnipresence and Omnipotence—One Presence, God, One Power, God. It is to relax confidently in “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee;” “Son, thou art ever with me and all that I have is thine.”

Is our troubled world not the result of a modern version of worshiping strange gods? Can drugs, alcohol, a so-called new morality supplant the simple truth that God is? Is there anything external to us that can compare with the comfort of turning to the Father within and resting in the warmth of divine love?

Do we accept “The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me” and rely upon it as a truth proved by thousands? The suffering, the tortures and torments of today’s world strike upon us from every side. As vital to us at this moment as it was centuries ago is Joshua’s proclamation: “Choose you this day whom ye will serve.” Freedom of choice is ours. The decision is individual. It is only for ourselves and within ourselves that we can answer, “As for me, I will serve the Lord.” What a release would be ours! With what peace would we be flooded! And how great would be our spiritual reward! n