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As For Me And My House We Will Serve the Lord
Joshua 24:15
As Joshua prepared the children of Israel for the land of Canaan he made it
clear that first priority went to those with whom he had immediate and direct
control: he and his "house." Joshua had a family. As concerned as Joshua was
about the children of Israel, he knew that he and his family must live by their
faith IN GOD, not Israel(the majority). He was willing to stand by his faith
against the greatest of odds to serve God. (Numbers 14: 6-10) Remember, he and
Caleb were the only two of the spies who said that with God's help they could
take the promised land. He moved with similar spiritual strength before Israel
when entering the land. Though not flawless, his lead is an example for all men
to learn from and follow. (Hebrews 3: 7-19)
It is clear that Joshua took the lead in his household. There was no outward
timidity, hesitation, or question about his role in the family. Inwardly he may
often have experienced excruciating agony. Yet, he moved forward with God's will
realizing his first responsibility was for the leading of his family, then the
nation. Of course, by viewing the leadership with his family, the nation viewed
first hand the type of spiritual leadership they were being offered in Joshua.
Does this not remind you about the qualification of elders? (1 Timothy 3) People
desperately need solid examples of spiritual leadership. Spiritual leadership is
first developed and refined in the home. The training ground for larger
spiritual responsibilities originates in a smaller setting. (James 1: 2-4) The
problems and solutions faced in the family make or break a man's progress to
larger leadership responsibilities in the Lord's church. This does not mean, if
under a man's leadership his family spiritually disintegrates, that he cannot be
saved or be of use in the Lord. It does, however, profoundly reflect upon that
man's ability to take on a larger leadership role in the Lord's service.
Remember Eli's family? (1 Samuel 1-4) Men, make sure that if your family
spiritually disintegrates, it is not a result of your abandoning your role as a
spiritual leader.
Practicing the leadership role invites disdain from some. Joshua took a bold
stand to serve the Lord regardless of its popularity. (Numbers 14: 10) By faith,
men must take the leadership role even when the spiritual course is unpopular.
(Hebrews 11) This calls for tough decision-making. (2 Corinthians 2: 4-6; 1
Corinthians 5: 3-6) However, the man does not have to be mean-spirited about the
decision. For the spirit used to lead is as important as the fact that one
leads. (Galatians 6: 1) When you make mistakes as a leader it will come back to
you in a double portion. Not only will you be challenged regarding the
circumstances surrounding the error, but your ability to lead will also be
called into question with each and every error. How you handle the mistakes will
also prove your leadership. Start in the home. Take the stand to be a spiritual
leader. Admit your errors, repent of them, ask for forgiveness, correct them,
and move forward.
Move forward in your role as a spiritual leader realizing it is the highest form
of service. (Matthew 20: 28; 1 Corinthians 11: 1) By the same token, service is
the highest act of leadership. (Philippians 2: 5-13) When you lead by serving
others, some will take advantage of you. Some will use your service for their
selfish gain, then abandon you in the face of trial. You must face criticism for
taking a stand and making a change in your life. You must face others, even of
your own house, who will criticize and remind you that you cannot be a spiritual
leader because they remember you as you WERE. That is good, in the sense of
reminding you of your need to maintain humility while leading. (Romans 12: 3-8)
You will be misinterpreted, misquoted, and generally unappreciated for your
direction. There are exceptions, of course. You will be appreciated by some and
praised by few. Rest your faith in, and draw your spiritual strength from God,
not the praise of others.
It does not matter what else you, as a man, accomplish in this life if you fail
as a Christian and spiritual leader to your family. If men do not stand up and
take the spiritual lead of their house, they may face accompanying each other in
Hell. Men have the responsibility (opportunity and God-given ability) to take
the lead. (1 Corinthians 11: 1-3; Ephesians 5: 23; 6: 1-4; ) It is too late to
correct error, change, and take the spiritual lead only when you or your family
has left this life, or you abdicate your life in Christ to Satan! (Luke 16:
27-31; Hebrews 6: 4-8; 2 Peter 2: 20-22) Taking the spiritual lead late in you
and your family's life does not guarantee spiritual success with them, but it
does guarantee the greatest ally in the fight to redeem yourself and your family
from the forces of Satan.
By David Horton
From Expository Files 5.1; January 1998
