Hi Loretta,
Joshua 24:15 But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we shall serve the Lord.
Does God chose only few out of a single household? What then is the spiritual truth of Joshua 24:15?
As head of his household wasn't Joshua commanded to teach his family the truths of God.
Deu 6:4 "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.
v. 5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
v. 6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.
v. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.
Psa 78:4 We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and His might, and the wonders that He has done.
v. 5 He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers to teach to their children,
Yes I do believe that there are only a very few being called out and chosen, I think each individual should feel an extreme degree of thankfulness that our eyes have been opened to the truth. I don't see this calling as a matter of bringing whole families to conversion right now, but individuals. Not saying that more than one in a family cannot have their eyes opened, but from those believers I have known it just doesn't seem to be the way of it right now.
But when somebody's eyes are opened and they have been shown the light, shouldn't that be reflected on all those around them, certainly our children? I mean it is one thing to preach what we believe to family, children or friends, usually not very productive either, but we can let our light shine through example and our children/family/friends, even work associates can see Christ in us by our living a godly life, that could really make an impression, as Paul expounded us to do.
Col 3:12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;
v.13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
v. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.
v. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
v. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
v. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
What I find is that I can 'teach' God's truth all the time without anybody even knowing it... as Deu. 6:7 says to teach your children "when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise," I think that means that most everything you do and say can be a teaching lesson. We know our children watch us and our example speaks louder than any words, that holds true for the rest of our family and our friends as well. Just be a living example, let them see your light shine as your testimony to the truth. Then if they come to you for advice, you can have a much greater influence, because they respect you already.
Mat 5:13 "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
v. 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
v. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
v. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
mercy, peace and love
Kat