As for me and my household…we will serve the Lord (
There are many ways we demonstrate faithfulness to God, but not all of these actions are related to our ministries. Yes, it is important to serve others, to live in the fruit of the Spirit and to represent Christ well in our work and relationships; but this is only a small portion of a much larger aspect of our lives.
In truth, how we live in our most personal and intimate relationships (marriage, parenting, friendships) says much about our walk with God. It is important that our homes be places of caring and concern. Those in ministry have a mandate to give attention to their spouses, children and those friendships that provide encouragement and support.
Without these deeper relationships, our ministries will dry up or become ineffective. Strong marriages and families also make for strong ministries. Everyone needs friends.
Centuries ago, when the Israelites were preparing to enter the land of promise, Joshua challenged the people to remain faithful to God, but he did not do this by extrapolating a long list of rules, a job description or by focusing on large issues. Rather, he spoke personally. “My family and I are committing to God,” Joshua said. “We will serve the Lord.”
By doing so, Joshua was challenging the multitudes to follow his example. Joshua realized the faithfulness of the community would begin in the home—in the quietness of conversations and decisions made day-by-day.
That’s where our faithfulness begins, too. We don’t have to have extravagant ministries, large salaries or robust numbers to be faithful to God. Our willingness to follow God through the difficulties and stresses of each day often can be our most powerful testimony.
Today is a day when we can choose God over many other choices; in making the decision to faithfulness, we often empower and embolden those around us to be more faithful themselves.
