The "As for me and my house" Passages: A Declaration of Faith and Leadership

The declaration, "as for me and my house," resonates through the annals of biblical history as a powerful testament to personal commitment and spiritual leadership. While most commonly associated with Joshua's profound challenge to Israel, this phrase, and the principles it embodies, are woven throughout the tapestry of scripture, highlighting the foundational role of the household in God's redemptive plan. It is a clarion call for believers to take a stand for righteousness, not just individually, but as the spiritual head or influencing member of their homes.

Joshua 24:15: The Cornerstone Declaration

The most prominent instance of this declaration is found in the book of Joshua, as the venerable leader delivers his farewell address to the assembled tribes of Israel. Having led them through the wilderness and into the promised land, Joshua confronts them with a crucial choice. The people had witnessed God's mighty acts, yet many still harbored idolatrous tendencies, influenced by the surrounding nations or the gods their fathers served beyond the River. Joshua, now old and full of days, issues a challenge that demands a definitive response:

And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Joshua 24:15

This verse is not merely a statement of personal preference; it is a profound act of spiritual leadership. Joshua acknowledges the freedom of choice, yet he does not abdicate his responsibility to lead his own family in the way of the Lord. His declaration is:

  • A Personal Commitment: It begins with "as for me." Joshua’s faith is not contingent on the decisions of others. His service to the LORD is a settled conviction, the bedrock upon which his household's commitment is built.
  • A Household Decision: He extends this commitment to "my house." This signifies his authority, responsibility, and intention to guide his family in worship and obedience to God. It implies instruction, discipline, and example.
  • A Public Proclamation: Made before all Israel, it serves as an example and a challenge. A leader's personal devotion is paramount, but its impact is multiplied when it extends to and defines the household. Joshua knew that the spiritual health of the nation depended on the spiritual health of its families.

The immediate effect of Joshua's declaration was profound: "And the people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake the LORD, to serve other gods" (Joshua 24:16). While their commitment would waver in subsequent generations, Joshua's stand laid down a timeless principle: spiritual revival often begins with an individual's unwavering commitment that permeates and transforms their own home.

Echoes of "My House" Throughout Scripture

The principle of a household's spiritual alignment, often led by a key figure, is not isolated to Joshua's declaration. It is a recurring theme demonstrating God's covenantal nature and His desire to bless and save families through the faith of one or more of its members.

Noah: Preservation Through Obedience

Long before Joshua, God's promise of preservation was extended to Noah and his family. In a world steeped in wickedness, Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord because of his righteousness. God's instruction to him was explicit:

And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.

Genesis 7:1

Noah's obedience to God's command to build the ark resulted in the salvation of his entire household from the flood. This illustrates that a righteous individual's faith and obedience can become the conduit of God's protection and blessing for their family. Noah's "house" was saved because of his personal walk with God.

Cornelius: A Devout House

In the New Testament, we encounter Cornelius, a Gentile centurion, whose household serves as a powerful example of corporate devotion. The scripture describes him thus:

A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.

Acts 10:2

Cornelius's personal piety evidently influenced his entire household to fear God. As a result, God divinely intervened, sending Peter to preach the Gospel to them. The outcome was miraculous:

Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.

Acts 11:14

This account demonstrates that God looks favorably upon households that collectively seek Him, and He extends His salvation to them. Cornelius's personal devotion was the spiritual foundation for his family's receptivity to the Gospel.

The Philippian Jailer: Salvation for the House

Perhaps one of the most direct promises concerning household salvation is found in the story of the Philippian jailer. After an earthquake miraculously opened the prison doors, the jailer, fearing for his life, was about to commit suicide when Paul stopped him. Trembling, he asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" Paul's response is profound:

And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

Acts 16:31

While this verse does not imply automatic salvation for every member of a household simply because one believes, it underscores the principle that personal faith has a direct and powerful implication for one's family. It is a promise of opportunity, a divine assurance that God desires the salvation of entire households and that the faith of the head of the house can open the door for the Gospel to be preached to and received by those within his sphere of influence. The jailer then "brought them into his house... and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house" (Acts 16:34).

David: God Building a House

Even King David's desire to build a house for God resulted in God promising to build a "house" for David – a lasting dynasty. In 2 Samuel 7:11, the LORD tells David, "Also the LORD telleth thee that he will make thee an house." This highlights God's covenantal faithfulness, where the spiritual commitment of a leader leads to generational blessings and a lasting legacy that extends beyond the individual to their descendants.

Practical Implications for Believers Today

The "as for me and my house" passages are not mere historical accounts; they are living principles that call believers in every generation to a profound commitment. For Christians today, these passages provide a blueprint for spiritual leadership within the home.

  • Personal Commitment is Primary: The declaration must begin with "as for me." A believer cannot effectively lead their household spiritually if their own walk with God is wavering or non-existent. Personal devotion, prayer, study of God's Word, and obedience to Christ are the indispensable foundations.
  • Embrace Spiritual Leadership: Whether you are a parent, spouse, or even a child living under your parents' roof, you have a sphere of influence. For parents, especially fathers, the Bible places a clear responsibility to lead their families in righteousness (Ephesians 6:4; Deuteronomy 6:6-7). This involves teaching, modeling, and guiding the family in biblical truth.
  • Cultivate a God-Fearing Atmosphere: The home should be a sanctuary where God is honored and His Word is central. This means intentional family worship, prayer together, discussing biblical principles, and making choices that reflect Christian values, even if it means standing apart from cultural norms. "Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches" (Proverbs 24:3-4).
  • Protect the Household from Ungodly Influences: Just as Joshua called Israel to put away the gods of their fathers, believers today must be vigilant against influences that draw the family away from God. This includes discerning media, friendships, and activities that compromise biblical values.
  • Pray for Your Household's Salvation and Sanctification: The promise to the Philippian jailer reminds us that God desires the salvation of our families. Consistent, fervent prayer for each member of the household is vital, trusting God to work in their hearts and bring them to faith and maturity in Christ.
  • Build a Legacy of Faith: The ultimate goal of an "as for me and my house" commitment is to establish a spiritual heritage that extends through generations. It is about planting seeds of faith, teaching children and grandchildren to love and serve the Lord, and entrusting them with the truths of the Gospel.

    • Conclusion

    The declaration "as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" is more than a historical statement; it is a timeless principle for every believer. It calls for a courageous, personal commitment to God that intentionally extends to the entire household. In a world that increasingly seeks to dismantle the family unit and dilute spiritual conviction, the steadfast resolve of a household committed to Christ stands as a powerful testimony and a beacon of hope. By embracing this declaration, individuals and families can become instruments of God's grace, building spiritual houses that honor Him and leave a lasting legacy of faith for generations to come.