Serve the Lord at home too
By PASTOR DAVID RAWLEY Otterbein United Brethren Church

Before the Israelite people crossed the Jordan River to enter into Canaan, a group of them approached their leader, Joshua, with a strange request. They wanted to stay on the east side of the Jordan and make their home there. This would be in the territory of what is the country Jordan today. They liked the land there and wanted to stay and raise their families there. Joshua gave them permission but told them that their men had to accompany the rest of the tribes across the river and help them to conquer territory. After they were settled, these men could return back across the Jordan to the home they had chosen. And so it happened.

When the battles had been won and these men were ready to return to their homes, Joshua gathered them together and released them with his blessing. He gave them one final command which is very profound. He said, "As you return to your home…be very careful to keep the laws of God. Continue to love the Lord your God and walk in all his ways, holding fast to him and serving him with all your heart and soul" (Joshua 22:4-5).

How significant! He knew that sometimes it is easier to do right and obey God in public than it is in private! These soldiers had performed well and lived righteous lives. However, they were in the public arena. They were under accountability and scrutiny. Others were watching them at all times and they didn't want to disappoint anyone. They were kind and dependable to their professional colleagues. They had to behave because good behavior was demanded and expected of them.

But they were going home! Home is the place where we escape public scrutiny. Home is where we can relax…out of the

spotlight…just being ourselves! And, sadly, the place where we most easily let our guard down. The place where we easily change into a different person…judgmental, ungrateful, thoughtless, mean, angry, or lazy. After all, no one watching there. It's only our family. And, so, our family gets worse treatment than anyone else. We are patient with strangers but short with our family. We are kind to our neighbors but unkind to our wife. Etc.

Joshua said, "This is unacceptable!" We need that same reminder! Your walk with God is just as crucial at home as anywhere else. Your influence, leadership, and integrity are as important at home as they are in the public arena. Our attitude and Christian testimony should be the same…at church, at work, at school, or at home. This is why Joshua reminded his men to "be very careful to obey God" at home. Home is a place of escape from the pressures of work. Home is a place to relax and enjoy life most fully. However, that does not translate into home being a place to change identities! I do not drop out of a relationship with God when I walk into my home! So, ponder Joshua's words. If you smile at colleagues, then smile at your family. If you show kindness and respect to strangers, then do the same to the people who live with you. Be very careful that you obey and serve and love the Lord at home…with those who see you around the clock.