“But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” — Joshua 24:15 (NLT)
Joshua’s powerful declaration near the end of his life has inspired generations of believers. It’s more than a bold statement—it’s a line in the sand, a spiritual compass, and a legacy-defining moment.
As a father, husband, worship leader, and pastor, I’ve returned to this verse many times. Now at 70 years old, I think more deeply about what it means to finish well. Joshua wasn’t just talking about himself; he was speaking over his family, his household, and the generations that would follow.
Let’s unpack what this means for us today.
1. Choose This Day
Joshua begins with a challenge: “Choose today whom you will serve.”
Every generation must decide. It’s not enough to ride the coattails of our parents’ or grandparents’ faith. Joshua knew that. He laid out the choices: the gods of the past or the God who had delivered them.
Serving the Lord isn’t something we drift into. It’s a daily, intentional decision.
🔹 “Lord, today—again—I choose You.”
2. Leadership Starts at Home
“But as for me and my family…”
This isn’t just a personal declaration—it’s a family vision. Joshua took spiritual responsibility for his home. He wasn’t waiting for someone else to lead. He wasn’t outsourcing the discipleship of his household to a priest or prophet.
As spiritual leaders—whether we’re parents, grandparents, or mentors—our call is to influence our families toward God. Not by force or fear, but by example.
🔹 Your home can be a house of worship, a house of peace, a house of purpose.
3. Serving the Lord is a Lifelong Journey
Joshua made this declaration at the end of his life. He had seen God move in incredible ways—from the walls of Jericho falling to the sun standing still. Through battles, miracles, and wilderness wandering, his faith was proven again and again.
But even at the finish line, Joshua wasn’t passive. He was still choosing to serve the Lord. Still urging others to follow. Still modeling faithfulness.
🔹 No matter your age or season—your declaration still matters.
4. The Power of a Family Legacy
This declaration shaped the destiny of Joshua’s household. And it can shape ours too.
When we say, “As for me and my family, we will serve the Lord,” we’re setting a standard for what matters most in our home. We’re building a spiritual legacy our children and grandchildren can build on.
Not perfection. But direction.
🔹 Our kids don’t need perfect parents—they need present parents with a passionate pursuit of God.
5. Serving the Lord Together
One of the greatest joys of my life is seeing my children and grandchildren worship God. My daughter and granddaughter leading worship, my son and his wife helping with worship in their church, and my grandson playing acoustic guitar and singing—it fills my heart.
We’re not just a family in ministry. We are a family serving the Lord together. That unity didn’t happen by accident. It came through intentional choices, a lot of prayer, consistent worship, and a home centered on Jesus.
Final Thoughts
Joshua’s declaration is more than a memory verse. It’s a life mission.
In a world of shifting values and blurred lines, may we boldly say:
“But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”
Say it. Live it. Pass it on.
💬 Reflection Questions:
- What does serving the Lord look like in your family today?
- Are there any “old gods” or distractions that need to be left behind?
- What legacy are you building for the next generation?
If this blog encouraged you, share it with a friend or fellow worship leader. Let’s keep calling our families—and ourselves—back to serving the Lord wholeheartedly.
— Mark Cole
Worship Leader • Mentor • Musician
markcole.ca
