THE IMPACTFUL FAMILY (1)

“But as for ME and MY HOUSE, we will serve the Lord" – Joshua 24:25

Joshua, Moses’ servant and successor, modelled THE IMPACTFUL FAMILY: “...But as for ME and MY HOUSE, we will serve the Lord” (Jos.24:15). Our meditation passage emphasizes three crucial components: recognizing God's blessings, choosing unwavering allegiance, and influencing future generations through a clear example. Drawing from this passage, the foundation of an impactful and fulfilling family is built upon a deliberate and public commitment to serve God.

Remembering God's Grace and Blessings: Joshua reminded the Israelites of God's unearned favour and provision. From their progenitor Abraham to their current inheritance of the Promised Land, they lived in unearned provision. They settled in cities they did not build and ate from vineyards they did not plant (v.13). Their prosperity was a gift from God, not a result of their own effort. Families that’ll manifest God-glorifying Impact regularly recall God's blessings, big and small. By focusing on God's provision rather than personal achievement, our families cultivate gratitude and an authentic, divinely-rooted faith. 

Deliberate Decision and Public Choice: Joshua offered the people a clear choice to either serve the Lord or serve the idols of the surrounding nations. His bold, personal declaration served as a powerful model for his family and the rest of the nation (vv.14-15). This was more than a personal conviction; it was a statement of spiritual leadership, publicly committing his entire family to a faith-focused life, leaving no room for ambiguity. For Believers in Christ, making faith a central and intentional part of family identity is crucial. This is shown not just by dictating beliefs, but by modelling devotion through actions, conversations, and priorities. This decision sets the spiritual tone for the home and becomes a legacy for future generations. 

Influencing future generations: Joshua's public declaration had an immediate impact, inspiring the people to renew their own commitment to serve the Lord. This act of leadership exemplifies how a parent's clear example can impact those around them, especially their children. The Israelites were surrounded by idol-worshipping cultures, but Joshua’s family commitment created a safe space to serve God wholeheartedly. In today’s world, this translates to standing firm against negative cultural and peer pressures; parents taking the lead in spiritual matters, prioritizing faith in the family, and creating a home environment that counters toxic stimuli. This helps children develop their own convictions as they witness their parents' genuine faith. 

True commitment is grounded in knowledge and experience. The people's enthusiastic response, "We also will serve the Lord, for He is our God," derived from their memory of God's mighty acts (v.18b). Recalling how God delivered them from Egypt and drove out their enemies, reinforced their decision with a clear conviction of His power and faithfulness. A, Impactful family’s is not based on blind adherence but on a lived experience of God's faithfulness. Our families should regularly share testimonies of God's goodness, and prayerfully share Scriptures together, to reinforce personal and collective faith.