Joshua 14:8

I wholly followed the Lord my God.

I. TRUE RELIGION IS BASED ON PERSONAL RELATIONS WITH GOD . Caleb ascribes his courage and fidelity to his connection with God, and he speaks of the Lord as "my God."

II. RIGHT PERSONAL RELATIONS WITH GOD WILL BE SHOWN BY OUR FOLLOWING HIM . It is not sufficient that we believe, worship, manifest affection. We must show our devotion by a consistent course of life.

III. WE ONLY FOLLOW GOD ARIGHT WHEN WE FOLLOW HIM WHOLLY . We cannot serve God and mammon. We must choose whom we will serve. Half hearted service is no true service. Following God wholly implies

IV. UNDIVIDED DEVOTION TO GOD IS NECESSARY FOR SUCCESS IN HIS WORK . We see how thoroughness and singleness of aim are essential to success in secular pursuits—in business, science, art, literature. They are not less essential in spiritual things. Much of our work fails for lack of thoroughness. Hesitating belief, divided aims, mingled motives, often render religious efforts weak and futile. We need to be more perfectly devoted, giving ourselves wholly to God's service ( 1 Timothy 4:15 ).—W.F.A.

HOMILIES BY S.R. ALDRIDGE