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Joshua 14:14-15
Joshua gathered together all the tribes of Israel at Shechem, and addressed them, saying:
"Fear the LORD and serve him completely and sincerely. Cast out the gods your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. If it does not please you to serve the LORD, decide today whom you will serve, the gods your fathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose country you are dwelling. As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."
If you’re a parent, you’ve probably seen this verse and been like “Amen! As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!” But it’s not as simple as just putting it in a nice frame over your front door. If you want your household to love and serve the Lord, there are a few things you can do to help.
“Cast out the gods your fathers served.” In modern language, you have a right and a duty to welcome or not welcome things into your house. If your kids want to watch a movie or a show that you know isn’t good for their moral well-being, you have a right to free your home of it! Even generational hurts, like alcoholism. If you know alcohol is a stumbling point for you or your spouse, stand together and make a choice to free your home of the pain it can cause. All the way to the little things, like how you or your children dress. Is that temple of the Holy Spirit being kept safe and loved in that mini skirt? Mmm I don’t think so!
Joshua is talking to his kinsmen in these verses. He says to them “If it does not please you to serve the Lord, decide today whom you will serve.” He isn’t being pushy or demolishing his family and friends (like, “become a Jew, you pagan swine!!”). RATHER, he is being firm and clear. He’s saying, “Hey, guys. If you want to live a life that isn’t right with God, go ahead. I’m telling ya, this is the best way to go. But do what you want. My family and I are going to serve the Lord. Peace!” Like Joshua, we can be clear with outside influences that we are not going to sway from our camp. Whether it’s relatives giving you crap for being a Christian, or work, or society. Everyone has the freedom to do what they do. And we have the freedom to do what we do! When I struggle with accepting a loved one’s choice to leave Christ, I remember how God looks on everyone with so much mercy. We can’t even fathom it. I find a lot more peace in my actions and my soul when I hold this truth at the forefront of my mind rather than being judgmental.