Me and My House Will Serve the Lord
But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15 NLT
This declaration by Joshua was not a simple sentimental wish, but a decree of spiritual warfare and a public stance of loyalty in a moment of moral crisis. The people of Israel were at a crossroads, surrounded by cultures that worshiped idols of comfort, pleasure, and power. Joshua, as a leader and head of the family, understood that neutrality is not an option in the Kingdom of God. Serving the Lord requires a radical decision that begins in the individual’s heart but necessarily extends to the entire family circle, establishing a culture of honoring God that protects future generations from the clutches of modern idolatry.
- The urgency of a personal choice Faith is not inherited by inertia; it is chosen by conviction. Joshua confronted the people so they would stop wavering between two opinions. In the home, service to God begins when parents decide that there will be no other “gods” (television, social media, money, or status) taking the place of devotion to the Most High. Choosing today means not postponing the holiness of the house for tomorrow.
- The value of leading by example Joshua did not say “my family will serve,” but “me and my house.” He included himself first. Serving God in the home is not imposed with shouting, but inspired by modeling. When children see a father or mother who serves with joy, who forgives, and who seeks God in private, serving the Lord becomes a natural and desirable path for them.
- Establishing a clear family identity Saying “we will serve the Lord” defines who we are and to whom we belong. In a world that tries to impose confusing labels and values on our children, this declaration raises a wall of protection. Our family has an eternal purpose that transcends earthly success; we are a house dedicated to the service of the King of kings.
- Resistance against cultural pressure Joshua mentioned the gods of the ancestors and those of the land where they lived. There will always be pressure from the past (incorrect family traditions) and from the present (worldly fashions) to abandon our faith. Keeping the family altar burning requires courage to say “no” to what everyone else does, in order to say “yes” to what God commands.
Making this declaration implies that every corner of our domestic life must be aligned with the will of God. It is not just about going to church on Sundays, but that His goodness is spoken of at our table, His generosity is seen in our finances, and His peace is felt in our crises. Serving the Lord as a family is the most powerful legacy we can build; it is ensuring that our offspring do not get lost in the desert of unbelief, but walk in the promised land of His grace. May your house be known today not for its luxuries or achievements, but for the manifest presence of the One whom you have decided to honor above all things.
But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15 NLT
Think About It:
- What “gods” or modern distractions are subtly trying to occupy the time and attention that your family should dedicate to the Lord?
- What practical changes in your home’s routine could demonstrate today that your family has chosen to serve God above all else?
- Take a moment to gather your loved ones and, out loud, declare this verse together as a new covenant of faithfulness toward God.