When Joshua made his famous declaration in today’s title verse, his focus was probably on challenging the Israelites to make a decision for God, rather than what would make a catchy slogan to embroider into a picture frame for his living room. But whether he meant it to stand out or not, he gives us a glimpse into his priorities: rather than ‘as for me and my army/my company/my mates/my career, I shall serve the Lord’, Joshua declares it over his family: his household. Not only is Joshua planning not to keep his faith to himself, but he wants his entire family to have a relationship with God (...also all of Israel... Boy got ambition). The importance to him of his family shines through. They’re going with him, part of his walking with God, not going to be left behind. Treasured, even. And looking through the Bible, families seem to be pretty important to God, too.
For some of us, families aren’t always easy (don’t worry, we know), and the idea of all gathering round the family Bible to sing together each morning might fall a little flat. But chances are there are some opportunities where you living for Jesus and time with your family can come together brilliantly. What would it look like for you to pray for God to bring your family the unity, and the relationship with Him, for you to be able to say ‘me and my family, we will serve the Lord’?

What Now?
How often do you thank God for your family? Make a point to pray for them, as well as thank God for them, every day for the next week.