To commemorate Father’s Day and Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, each Morning Devotional for the month of June will highlight an important lesson of faith learned from a father or a father-like figure. We continue today with Jonathan.
According to a study published in Touchstone Magazine, “If the father attends regularly [church] and the mother doesn’t, 44% of children will be regular church attenders… that’s even higher than the children who have both parents attending regularly (33%).”
This statistic isn’t meant to diminish the irreplaceable value of godly mothers. Scripture clearly honors and uplifts the role of women in the home (see Proverbs 31, Titus 2). But it does highlight something culture often resists: God has uniquely called and designed men to be the spiritual leaders of their households. And when men take that role seriously, the ripple effect is powerful.
Few passages encapsulate this weighty calling like Joshua 24:15 (NASB 1995):
“If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
Joshua’s words come as Israel finally enters the long-awaited Promised Land. He reminds the people of all that God has done: delivering them from slavery, providing for them in the wilderness, and defeating their enemies. Yet he also recognizes the looming threat—Israel is surrounded by nations who worship false gods. Rather than assume faithfulness from the people, he calls them to choose—and boldly draws a line in the sand for his own household.
The same could be said of America today.
In light of this, Joshua’s declaration offers three timely reminders—especially for Christian fathers.
1. Leading a Christian Household Is an Intentional Choice
Joshua doesn’t assume Israel will serve the Lord. He challenges them to make a conscious decision.The same is true today: having a Bible on the shelf or playing worship music on Sundays doesn’t make a household Christian. As fathers, asking Christ for strength, we must daily choose to follow Jesus and lead our families to do the same.
I learned quickly that I couldn’t assume my family would operate like the one I grew up in. My wife and I had to work together—with the help of the Holy Spirit—to build a Christ-centered routine that fit our life. One thing we’ve committed to is reading Scripture and praying as a family every night, no matter what work, social, or personal obligations are going on. It’s not always convenient, but it’s been a game changer.
Passivity has no place in spiritual leadership; leading your home in Christ is a lifelong, daily commitment.
2. There Are Other “gods” Vying for Our Family’s Worship
Joshua references “the gods beyond the River” and “the gods of the Amorites.” These were real, tangible idols. Today, our idols are subtler—but just as dangerous.
Toxic spirituality, progressive theology, religious syncretism, and naturalistic thinking surround us. Even good things—education, career success, financial security—can become idols when they occupy the throne in our hearts.
This hit home for me in how we approached school. As someone who values achievement, I was drawn to a top-rated, dual-immersion, STEM-heavy secular program for our kids. But my wife and the Lord really impressed on me the importance of prioritizing Christian education. I was nervous they’d fall behind academically, but what we’ve seen in terms of their character and openness to the Gospel has made the choice so worth it.
Fathers must not assume their families will drift toward Godliness on autopilot. The cultural current is strong—and it’s our job, with the power of the Holy Spirit, to steer the ship before the tide does.
3. Serving the Lord as a Family Is Unpopular—but Right
When Joshua says, “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD,” he knows many around him won’t. He’s not swayed by cultural trends or peer pressure. He knows the path of obedience is narrow.
Jesus echoes this in Matthew 7:13–14 (NASB):
“Enter through the narrow gate… the way is broad that leads to destruction… the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”
We’ve been blessed to live in a strong Christian community. But as our kids grow older and our network widens, I can already anticipate the criticism coming. We believe every word of the Bible is true—about sin, gender, purity, discipline—and not everyone will agree. But we’re resolved to lovingly raise our kids with those convictions, no matter how unpopular they may be.
Personal Testimony: The Legacy I Carry and the Leadership I’m Learning
I’m beyond blessed to be part of a long legacy of Faithful men. My great-grandfather was a man of God. My 85-year-old grandfather still serves as a deacon and cleans his church every week. My father and uncle are both pastors. And now, by God’s grace, I find myself the humble head of a beautiful Black family of four.
I’m far from perfect, just ask my family. But with the Godly encouragement of my wife and the counsel of older men, I’ve committed to leading spiritually: daily devotions, Scripture memory, praying with my kids, and singing together. It’s not as intimidating as it sounds. We read a children’s Bible at night, listen to Scripture on the Bible app, and pray throughout the day—during meltdowns, car rides, and those middle-of-the-night wakeups.
Any parent knows that parenting exposes how little we actually know. But as a Christian dad, I do know this: if I accomplish nothing else, I must raise my children in the fear and admonition of the Lord.
“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4, NASB 1995)
A Word to Christian Fathers
Fathers, your role is critical. Choose Christ daily. Guard your family from false idols. Stand firm on the narrow path. Being a Christian household is intentional. Competing gods are real. And serving the Lord may be rare—but it is always right.
This Father’s Day, stay in the Word. Stay on your knees. And remember: the most enduring legacy you’ll leave isn’t your career, your wealth, or your name—it’s your faithful leadership in pointing your family to Jesus.
Happy Father’s Day!
