“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” –Joshua 24  

Is my house serving the Lord?  It’s a bold statement to speak on behalf of everyone in your household. But this meaningful declaration by Joshua in today’s First Reading (8/22/21), made centuries ago, can be lived out today by each of us as head of our own “household”.    

You or someone you know may have this beautiful commitment posted above the doorway to their home or mounted on the wall of their dining room. It’s a simple statement that can make a public commitment to living out one’s beliefs, individually or as a family.  

“But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” were the concluding words spoken by Joshua, who encouraged the Israelites to proceed into Canaan. As the newly appointed leader after Moses’ death, Joshua reminded them of God’s love and provision in their lives and the lives of their ancestors. With this definitive statement, he strives to get a collective commitment from those who will be following God in service and those who will continue the treacherous path of serving false gods. He boldly steps out, claiming his family would be serving the Lord. Joshua reminds the Israelites that all their provision over the past several years came from a loving God who had done the same for generations before them and for generations to come.  

Joshua’s courageous example is still relevant today as we honestly self-reflect on whether we are living lives of service to God. Through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus, we have direct access to God through Jesus and the Holy Spirit, anytime, anywhere. We can share with him in prayer our hearts desires, our greatest fears and worries, our deepest questions and our awe and praise of his holiness.  

How do we “walk the talk”? As Christians, we are gently reminded to serve the Lord not for looks or recognition, but in gratitude for all the Lord has done, is doing, and will do for us in this life and in eternity. And as an added gift, when we serve the Lord for the sheer joy of returning to him all he has gifted us, we model for others a life of prayer and service which exponentially overflows in gratitude, generosity, and love. As families and as a community, we become leaders and people of joy no matter what the challenges ahead.  

Looking for opportunities to pray and strengthen others through continued spiritual growth? Contact Leah Harris, leah.harris@dsj.org or 408-997-5110.