Me and My House

September 8, 2022

But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15 NKJV

Old Testament Joshua made a choice for his family. He was the man of the house and though he could not control their inner thoughts and attitudes, he could set the tone and direction of the family. He chose that they would serve the Lord. We see this all throughout the Bible. In the New Testament the jailer who chose to believe and follow Christ said that he and his household would serve the Lord.

We may say, “Well, it’s not like that today. Men are not generally the kings of their homes any longer, and parents can’t just say kids are going to follow Jesus and expect them to fall in line. Absolutely true. It’s not that much different now than it was for Joshua. He could make his family go to the Tabernacle, make the sacrifices, and obey the laws, but he had no control over their hearts. He had no ability to change their compliance into deep and authentic lifetime choices. He didn’t have control in that arena—he only had influence.

That’s the same place we find ourselves. In my experience in church life and Christian schools, some families have had control over their children’s choices at that point. Their families seemed to be models of perfect adherence to everything good. But for quite a few families, the education and control didn’t “take.” As soon as the kids were able to choose on their own, they dropped the façade and lived life according to their own values.

We can’t force anyone to serve the Lord. We can force them to adopt certain behaviors, but it ends there. However, we have tremendous positive or negative influence. If we are consistent, kind, and joyful in serving the Lord, if we prioritize serving our families in His love and spirit, that will powerfully impact their present and eventual choices. If your family DNA is serving others as Jesus modeled for us, your children will most likely catch it! If you start young with loving hospitality, if you become known for extending a helping hand, if you joyfully use your gifts and include them in the experience, the chances are very strong that your children will also choose serving as a way of life. Your family legacy will be that you and your house served the Lord with joy.

• Dear Jesus, I can imagine the joy your friends had as You invited them into serving others with you. You always served them humbly and first, and they learned from watching you how to love and serve authentically. I want that to be the way it happens with my family and friends. I want to show them by my life the satisfaction and fulfillment that comes from serving. I want to pray and live so my influence toward You and people will be positive and attractive to follow. Help me represent You well. May my family follow You consistently and serve with satisfaction all the days of their lives. May me and all my household serve the Lord. Amen.