“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15
Many Christians today take the statement ”As for me and my house we will serve the Lord” and hang it in their home. It’s seen as a declaration of commitment to follow God. This famous sentiment is pulled from Joshua 24:15.
While many know what the verse says, we often miss the true beauty and depth found in the Joshua 24:15 meaning. Most don’t know where this verse comes from or what’s happening that lead to these words.
In this blog post I want to dive into Joshua 24:15 so that you can better understand what this verse means and how you can apply it to your life.
The Context Of Joshua 24:15
The book of Joshua opens up with the news of Moses, the leader of the Israelites, dying. God tells Joshua that he is going to be the one that leads this nation into the Promised Land (Joshua 1:1-2).
Moses, and the rest of his generation, had failed to trust in God. They continually complained and turned to other gods for rescue. As as result they were not allowed into the Promised Land and died in the wilderness.
After Moses died Joshua leads the nation of Israel through battles and into the Promised Land. Fast forward to the end of the book, and we see Joshua on his deathbed. And as his time approaches he calls Israel together to issue them a challenge to place their trust in God. To faithfully serve the Lord.
This echos back to the days of Moses. In that time the nation of Israel largely failed; they didn’t serve God and instead worshipped other gods. Now, Joshua is expressing his personal commitment and challenging them to do the same.
This is what leads us to Joshua 24:15. It’s the challenge that Joshua is giving the nation of Israel.
The Joshua 24:15 Meaning
Now that we know the context I want to look at the Joshua 24:15 meaning. To help us better see how this applies to us today I’ve broken it down into two sections.
Choose This Day Whom You Will Serve…
But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. Joshua 24:15
Joshua is giving the nation of Israel a choice, who do they want to serve? Who do they want to worship?
Joshua here is revealing an important truth: we all worship something. And what we choose to worship will bear consequences. So, do they want to worship the God of their ancestors who has faithfully provided? Or worship the false gods of other nations that ultimately can’t do anything for them?
Joshua is presenting them with a choice. And I think these words are not just a challenge for the Israelites thousands of years ago, but for us today. Choose this day whom you will serve.
Are you going to commit to serving God? Or will you commit to serving your desires, money, relationships, fame, and the other gods our culture worships? The choice is yours, and you will reap the consequences of that choice.
As For Me And My House We Will Serve The Lord…
Joshua ends this verse with his personal commitment. As for me and my house we will serve the Lord.
Joshua cannot control what everyone else does, but he can control what happens in his own house. And he is determined that his house will serve the Lord.
Obviously Joshua can’t force his family to believe in God. He’s not in control of their feelings and desires, nor should he be. But as part of a patriarchal culture he was in control of what physical actions his family took. He could control the things that came in his house and what happened within his walls. He was committed to those external actions being dedicated to serving God.
This is both his personal commitment and his challenge to the Israelites. I will serve God, will you follow him in doing the same?
Applying “As For Me And My House We Will Serve The Lord” To Our Lives
While the world looks much different today than it did in Joshua’s day, there are similarities. God’s people still face pressure to worship other gods.
Choose this day whom you will serve. I think that’s the question that rings out from Joshua 24:15. Who are you going to serve? Each of us must make that decision for ourselves.
Who you serve will determine the direction for your life. And not just the direction, but the outcome. You will reap what you sow.
Many Christians are worshiping the gods of our culture. While that might seem alluring the result is not the life promised, but death. In contrast when we follow God it might not always be easy, but the result is worth it. It’s the only path to a life full of peace and joy.
So, will you say, “As for me and my house we will serve the Lord”? Will you commit to trusting God and honoring him with your decisions?
BA in Biblical Studies - Ozark Christian College (2012)
MA in Theology - Regent University (2019)
Email Me: Email
- The Powerful Proverbs 27:17 Meaning (iron sharpens iron) - March 25, 2024
- What Is The Meaning Of James 1:17? (every good and perfect gift) - March 19, 2024
- Church, Your Hope Is Not In The Election. - March 19, 2024