“As for Me and My House, We Will Serve the Lord”
“As for Me and My House, We Will Serve the Lord”
Text: Joshua 24:15 – “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Beloved, today we stand at a crossroads.
Much like Israel did when Joshua spoke these words.
The world is full of choices.
Paths that promise pleasure, success, and glory.
But in the end, they lead only to emptiness.
Joshua said, “Choose this day whom you will serve.”
You cannot serve both self and God.
You cannot make a name for yourself and glorify the Lord at the same time.
So the challenge comes to us: Will you serve self—or will you serve the Lord?
1. The Pattern of the World: Making a Name for Self
From the very beginning, mankind has followed a destructive pattern.
In Genesis 11, at the Tower of Babel, the people said,
“Let us build us a city, and a tower whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make a name for ourselves.”
That cry has echoed through the generations.
Humanity has chased greatness, glory, and recognition—not for God, but for self.
We see the same pattern today.
People are like the Babylonians, building houses, careers, reputations, and lives that are magnificent in the eyes of the world.
They are busy making a name for themselves.
But Psalm 127:1 reminds us, “Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.”
All that effort and striving is empty without God.
It may look impressive, but in the end, it is in vain.
Babylon represents more than a city.
It represents a false system that allows men to build two kingdoms: God’s and their own.
It teaches that you can honor God while still pursuing your own glory and agenda.
But Revelation 18 warns that Babylon will fall.
The city built by human pride and self-exaltation is destined for destruction.
Catchy line: Build your name, it will fall; build His, and it stands tall.
The world says, “Look out for number one,” “Build your brand,” “Leave your mark.”
But if all you are building is a monument to yourself, you are repeating Babel.
True life and purpose come only when the Lord builds the house.
God must be the center.
His name must be exalted above your own.
2. The Call of God: A Different Pattern
Romans 12:2 declares, “Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
The world says, “Make your name great.”
God says, “Make My name known.”
The world says, “Exalt yourself.”
God says, “Humble yourself.”
The world says, “Seek gain.”
God says, “Take up your cross.”
When we give God honor and glory, we lift up His name.
Jesus said, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me” (John 12:32).
When His name is lifted high, people are drawn to Him, not us.
Other verses say lift up God or His name:
Psalm 34:3 – “O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.”
Psalm 148:13 – “Let them praise the name of the Lord: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.”
Isaiah 12:4 – “Declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.”
Philippians 2:9-11 – “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…to the glory of God the Father.”
Catchy line: The world says climb, God says shine—lift His name, let it draw men in.
Joshua said there are only two ways: serve the gods of this world or serve the living God.
A god is whatever you give your life to.
Whatever consumes your time, talents, and treasure—that is your god.
For some it is money, some pleasure, some career, some power.
Ultimately, all false gods point back to self.
Behind self lurks Satan, the god of this world.
3. A Nomad People, A Holy Calling
God has not called us to build towers for ourselves.
He has called us to be strangers and pilgrims on this earth.
We are travelers on the way to a better country.
Hebrews 11 says Abraham was a nomad, dwelling in tents, looking for a city whose builder and maker is God.
1 Peter 2:11 reminds us, “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.”
We are aliens here, just passing through, focused on eternity.
Our calling is to spread the name of Jesus.
Nothing more, nothing less, nothing added, nothing taken away.
We are not here to build our kingdom.
We are here to proclaim His kingdom.
Catchy line: No towers for self, just tents for the King.
Parents, ask your children: What will you do with your life?
Will you serve yourself or the Lord?
Young people, do not waste your years chasing after what perishes.
Do not make a name for yourself that will be forgotten.
Make a name for God that will echo into eternity.
4. The Choice Before Us
Joshua gave the choice: serve the gods beyond the river or serve the Lord.
And he made his choice public: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
The same choice is before us today.
Will you serve the Lord or serve self?
Will you make His name great or your own?
There is no middle ground.
There is no compromise.
Every day, your life testifies—either God is worthy, or self is supreme.
Today, the “gods beyond the river” are the gods of wealth and materialism.
Silver and gold, possessions, comfort, worldly approval—they are modern idols.
Anything we elevate above God becomes a false god.
A god is whatever consumes your life.
Whatever you serve with your time, talents, and treasure is your god.
If self controls them, Satan rules your life.
Catchy line: Who’s your master? Choose before disaster.
Serve the Lord.
Make His name great.
Let all else fall away.
Conclusion
The gods of this world promise much.
But they cannot save.
Self cannot save.
Satan cannot save.
Only the Lord can.
So I stand before you today with Joshua’s words:
Choose this day whom you will serve.
But as for me, and I pray for you,
We will serve the Lord.
Catchy line: Make God’s name great—your life, His song.