A Father’s Day Reflection on Joshua

By Xh. Cher Cha Yang

Joshua 24:14-15 (ESV)

“Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Father’s Day is a time to honor and reflect on the role of fathers in our lives. It is also an opportunity for fathers themselves to consider their God-given responsibilities. One of the most powerful biblical passages for fathers is Joshua 24:14-15, where Joshua calls the people of Israel to make a firm decision about whom they will serve.

Joshua’s declaration is a powerful example of spiritual leadership. He does not simply call Israel to a decision; he sets the tone for his own household. This passage is a challenge to fathers today: Will you be the spiritual leader in your home?

Modern society presents many distractions and challenges to faith. The pressures of work, entertainment, and shifting cultural values can make it easy for fathers to take a passive role in their family’s spiritual life. However, Joshua’s words remind us that spiritual leadership requires decisiveness, commitment, and action. Fathers are called to lead their families in faith, ensuring that their households are built on a strong foundation of serving God.

Joshua instructs the people to fear the Lord and serve Him with sincerity and faithfulness. This fear is not about terror but about reverence, awe, and deep respect for God. For fathers, this means living in a way that models obedience to God. Children learn more from what they see in their fathers than what they are told. If a father truly fears and honors God, his children are more likely to do the same.

Joshua commands the Israelites to put away the gods their ancestors served. Today, idols may not come in the form of carved statues, but they exist in more subtle ways: materialism, career ambition, sports, entertainment, or even personal pride. Anything that takes priority over God in a father’s life can become an idol, influencing his family negatively.

Fathers must evaluate their lives and ask: What competes with God for my attention? When fathers model a life free from idolatry, they help their children understand that nothing should take precedence over God.

Joshua does not just make a personal commitment; he declares it on behalf of his entire household: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” This is a deliberate and unwavering decision. Fathers are called to make that same commitment today to actively guide their families toward God, teaching their children the importance of faith, prayer, and biblical truth.

This leadership extends beyond words. It involves daily actions, such as praying with children, studying Scripture together, attending church as a family, and making moral choices that reflect faith in God. Joshua’s declaration challenges fathers to take ownership of their family’s spiritual direction.

Leading a family in faith does not have to be complicated. Small, consistent actions build a legacy of faith.

1. Pray Together – Set aside time to pray with your spouse and children regularly.
2. Read the Bible as a Family – Make Scripture a part of daily life.
3. Attend church Together – Show commitment to worship and fellowship.
4. Live Out Your Faith – Model integrity, love, and obedience to God in all areas of life.
5. Have Open Conversations About Faith – Encourage children to ask questions and explore their faith in a safe environment.
6. Serve Others – Show Christ’s love through acts of service as a family.

Joshua’s declaration was not just for his generation but for the future. The commitment a father makes today will have a lasting impact on generations to come. Children who see their fathers faithfully serving God are more likely to carry that faith into adulthood. This Father’s Day, let Joshua’s words inspire fathers to take their role seriously and lead their families in unwavering service to God.

Father’s Day is a reminder of the influence fathers have on their families. Joshua 24:14-15 challenges fathers to stand firm in faith, reject the idols of the world, and lead their families with conviction. A father’s decision to serve the Lord is not just about himself; it sets the course for his entire household.

This year, let Father’s Day be a time of renewal and commitment. May all fathers boldly declare, as Joshua did, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”