Joshua’s famous words, “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord,” confirm that he and his family decided to follow God. This shows their conviction and dedication. Joshua had just asked the people of Israel to choose whom they would serve. For him and his house (his family), there was no doubt. The answer was unequivocal, and he didn’t hesitate to proclaim this in front of everyone.
In the entrance of some homes, you can find Joshua’s words displayed on a wall plaque. Just as he did, people do not hesitate to declare which worldview governs their house.
Joshua had a close relationship with God and used the word “serve” to describe this. We can’t “serve” our way into heaven. All efforts, sacrifices, dedication, and even countless good deeds cannot earn us salvation. It’s not works that save us, but only the grace of God. Serving God and others confirms our relationship with God.
The word “serve,” translated from Hebrew, the original language of the Old Testament, includes the idea of being a bond servant. We enslave (submit) ourselves to the Lord, following His commands, His will, and His guidance. We live for Him. Joshua made it clear: the Lord (Jehovah in Hebrew) is God, and we serve Him. We are ready, at all times, to do His will. The New Testament calls this following Jesus or walking in His footsteps (1 Peter 2:21). We serve the One who paid a great price for us.
“Serving” stands in contrast to the general worldview and is not very popular. But the Bible emphasizes that true greatness is in serving God and others. Serving God gives our lives purpose and meaning.
This servant attitude should be evident in family life. Joshua 24:15 should not just be displayed as wall decor but become reality in our hearts and families. I was privileged to grow up in a Christian home. My parents didn’t need to remind us of Joshua’s words because they lived them. As children, we saw it in their actions and daily decisions. It wasn’t debatable; they simply served God and others.
This “servant heart” was especially evident in church life. God and His church were always the focus. Everything was about God’s kingdom. This is what we read in Matthew 6:33: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.” Whether it was attending church, participating, financially supporting the church, hosting guests, maintaining and cleaning the church building, or other tasks, we served. We also cared for the elderly, hosted the youth, visited the sick, and gave people rides to church. Serving meant being involved and having a sense of duty. As children, we were “recruited” and were expected to participate.
Serving might vary in different situations, but the core meaning of the word “serve” remains unchanged.
The family is the place where we learn to serve. We help each other. This relationship brings a sense of belonging. Belonging brings obligation. The best way to teach children to serve is by example. Children copy their parents’ behavior. A good example is the best teacher. There is a big difference between children seeing their parents serve willingly or seeing them look for ways and excuses to avoid serving. Our attitude is more obvious than we realize. Serving is not defined as parents serving their children, as is often the case. Otherwise, children will grow up with a sense of entitlement. It’s wonderful to see families serving together. A father said, “We serve one another, and together we serve the Lord.”
In addition to church life, serving the Lord needs to be part of everyday life. In all facets, from managing money to behavior in the workplace or in traffic, we are to serve the Lord. This includes marriage and family and all relationships. Colossians 3:18-22 refers to family life and addresses wives, husbands, children, fathers, and servants. Then, verses 23 and 24 summarize: “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”
Reflecting on Joshua’s decision makes us realize how important it is to serve the Lord. This can lead to a faith-building family discussion on how to serve the Lord together. When situations or questions arise, they can be addressed with this mindset. It makes life easier, and the whole family benefits.
It’s rewarding and a blessing to be in the service of the King. There is no better life. It not only benefits our life on earth but also guarantees us a blessed future – eternal life.
Joshua led Israel across the Jordan into Canaan. About 30 to 40 years had passed since they arrived. Joshua was old and nearing the end of his life. He gathered the people once more. He talked about the past and God’s wonderful leading in their ancestors’ and their own lives. He urged them to make the right choice to serve the Lord faithfully and to remove the foreign gods among them. He challenged the people: “But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living.”
We all must decide whom we will serve. Whom are we serving? Whom do we want to serve? What does serving look like? Like Joshua, join in saying: “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
“Serve the Lord with gladness” (Psalm 100:2).
Harry Semenjuk
Wetaskiwin, AB
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