“As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15

This is a beautiful affirmation of faith by Joshua in the Old Testament. This verse expresses the heart of a great spiritual leader at the end of his life. In these simple words we find the will of God expressly stated. We are to serve the Lord and we are to do everything in our power to see that our family follows our example. “But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” – Joshua 24:15  

When the children of Israel moved into the Promised Land, they were getting ready to set up their homes as permanent places rather than living in tents that would be taken down and moved every few days or weeks. Their leader, Joshua, issued a strong challenge to the Israelite families. What God or gods will they serve? Would they serve the gods of Egypt where they were enslaved? Would they serve the gods worshipped by the various peoples they have encountered in their Promised Land? Or would they serve the God who led them out of slavery in Egypt, guided them through the years of wandering in the wilderness and brought them into this Promised Land? They had to make a decision, and their decision would make all of the difference in the world, not only to their lives but to all their history.  

There are many choices that we can make; however, one that is absolutely vital is to serve the Lord. We can choose to have our false gods (the love of money, clothes, jewelry, sports, TV, etc.) or we can choose to walk with God. We need to be aware that whatever we love more than God is a false god. Just like Joshua, the apostle Paul admonished us: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2 

Another very important message to focus in this passage are the words “choose today.” No individual is guaranteed an opportunity to respond to God at some future time. The Bible proclaims: “Today is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). 

Joshua commanded the people to repent by putting away the gods of their ancestors and the foreign gods: “throw away the foreign gods that are among you and yield your hearts to the Lord, the God of Israel” (v. 23). When the Israelites voiced allegiance without a decisive end to their practices, Joshua must have reminded them what Moses had told them that they would not be able to serve a holy, jealous God, because God will not tolerate rivals. “You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God,” (Exodus 20:5).  

A decision to serve the Lord based on enthusiasm only will not last. A Christian’s decision demands integrity: “Now fear the Lord and serve Him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:14). A decision to follow God means a decision formed with a commitment of “sincerity and truth.”  This means to serve wholeheartedly, to serve with integrity, or without blame. This was true for the Israelites as it is true for all humanity. 

Joshua made the decision along with his family to serve the Lord. Will you and your house serve the Lord? We need to be aware that our decisions have consequences good or bad not only upon ourselves but also upon other people. A selfish decision affects our families in negative ways. Likewise, a decision to serve God influences our families positively. 

Just as Joshua pointed the way to God, each of us has the same opportunity. Ask God to help you examine your heart, because as born again believers the Bible tells us that we are Christ’s ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20). Whether we are retired, working or a homemaker, we are to be teaching the way to God and helping others to come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. If you follow Christ, there will come a time when you must say to some of your acquaintances, “Do what you want, but I’m going to serve the Lord.” This is a personal decision, but in the end if it comes down to this, you must choose to serve the Lord. 

Just like Joshua had provided a good example for his family to follow God, every Christian man ought to make a similar statement to the family the Lord has given him. Though Joshua could set the example, he could not make the choice for them; the people had to choose for themselves. Whom will you serve today? 

“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Joshua 24:15