“Therefore, fear the Lord and worship him in sincerity and truth. Get rid of the gods
your fathers worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and worship the Lord.
But if it doesn’t please you to worship the Lord, choose for yourselves today:
Which will you worship—the gods your fathers worshiped beyond the Euphrates River
or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living?
As for me and my family, we will worship the Lord.”
Joshua 24:14-15

Worshiping the Lord as a Family Commitment

If you’re a parent, chances are you’ve quoted the last line of Joshua 24:15 to your kids: As for me and my family, we will worship the Lord. Maybe it’s printed on your keychain, hanging on your wall, or monogrammed on your favorite tee.

This verse boldly and publicly proclaims your intentions: my family and I are committed to living in a way that serves and honors God.

But what does that look like? After thirty-plus years of parenting, I’ve discovered it can be quite different than I originally imagined . . .

Back then I thought it meant not letting my kids read the books or watch the shows that people told me they shouldn’t read or watch, but now I know it means making informed decisions that work for my family.

Back then I thought that cleanliness was next to godliness, but now I know that the endless and unfulfilling quest for a spotless house will leave us home alone, reluctant to throw our doors open wide to friends and family.

Back then I thought professed Christians lived perfect lives, but now I know they are imperfect people willing to be used for God’s glory.

I thought that letting my kids see my flaws would make them think less of me. Make me less of a role model. But a perfect parent is unapproachable and unrelatable and that’s not what I want to be.

As a mother, what does “as for me and my family, we will worship the Lord” mean to me?

Please join me today at (in)courage to read the rest of the post!

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