Joshua’s famous declaration, “[A]s for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15), was said after having seen God at work for decades. He knew where he stood. And he knew God was faithful. Your family needs that same clarity from you about who you follow, what you value, and whom you serve.

#1 Know who you’re following. “[C]hoose this day whom you will serve…” Joshua’s choice here was personal and urgent. Israel could follow the gods around them—those made of wood and stone—or serve the God who had rescued, provided for, and was faithful to them.

We have this same choice TODAY, as in, RIGHT NOW. We all follow something, and the world has plenty of “wood and stone” options for us to follow. Maybe you follow your own father or the world’s ridiculous version of success. Point is, whatever you pick eventually shows up in how you live.

#2 Make sure your family knows. “But as for me and my house…” Joshua had already made his choice. He didn’t take a poll or wait to see what everyone else would do. He didn’t flip-flop, changing his mind to fit the world issue by issue.

He was ready to walk with God, even if he was the only one. No, you can’t force faith on your kids, but you can definitely set the direction in your home. Who you follow has a way of being revealed in your schedule.

#3 Follow with your life. “…we will serve the LORD.” Israel was quick to promise they’d serve the Lord, but Joshua knew words were easy to come by. Commitment and actions aren’t so easy. Isn’t the same true for us? Maybe you have a “We will serve the Lord” sign hanging on a wall in your house, but does it really shape your daily decisions?

From one generation to the next, why are we so prone to forget? You can’t let yourself or your family forget. Open the Bible. Pray. Correct wrongs. Do good and point to God. Let your kids see that following Jesus changes how you live every day, from how you handle frustration, money, conflict, and other parts of life.

Making Family a Priority – Simple Steps for Busy Dads: Your family is not going to put themselves at the top of your calendar. Here are seven practical ways to make sure they end up there.

“And My House…” – How Christian Dads Build a Godly Home: Want a simple way to strengthen your relationship with your kids starting today? Lawson and I talked about it in this episode. Give it a listen.

“True religion comes to many of us recommended by parental example.” —Charles Spurgeon

Who are you following, and where’s that leading your family? Look at your bank account, habits, goals for your kids, and how you spend your time. Joshua made his stand really clear when those around him were picking other things.

You gotta do the same with your family. Recognize an area where your commitment to Christ feels unclear, maybe inconsistent. Then make one real change this week that shows your family who you’re following.

Take some time to reflect and ask yourself: Can my family tell by the way I live that I’ve chosen to serve God?

Kent Evans
Executive Director at Manhood Journey

P.S. Was this Mountain Monday helpful? Tell me if you love it, hate it, or if there’s something you’d like in the next one.

Forward this to a dad you know who needs some encouragement.