Want to hear about an awkward moment? I have a close friend who’s on the same wavelength as me – enneagram 8. His wife decided to have some of the families from their daughter's school over for dinner one evening. While all the kids were playing, there was a particular little boy who kept calling all the other kids names. “Poop-head, butt-face,” and all your other typical kid digs. My friend's daughter came to him in front of all the other adults and said, “Toby keeps calling me names.” As she’s explaining, Toby comes running around the corner declaring the “tattletale” is another bodily function attached to a body part. My friend looked over at Toby’s father, who was laughing and playing it off. Enneagram 8 triggered. My friend knelt down to eye-level with Toby and said, “Your daddy may not spank your butt, but if you talk to my daughter like that again, I will.”

Toby’s dad jumped in and declared, “Whoa, whoa. There’s no need for that!” To which my friend responded, “You can lead your house however you want. But in mine, that type of behavior is unacceptable and not tolerated. Pack your stuff up and leave.” Thus, the infamous moment was born, “Remember the time you threatened the neighbor's child and kicked them out of your house?”

Like it or not, it doesn’t get much more Biblical. As Joshua is nearing the end of his life, recounting all the gracious steps the Lord has taken to bless and prosper His people in the face of obstacles and oppositions, he leaves the nation of Israel with one final declaration, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” His command comes after begging Israel to be obedient while warning them of the consequences should they stray. Landing squarely in the place of his highest authority, Joshua declares no other option but obedience in His home.

The world can be going crazy, and our neighbors might allow their kids to get away with anything, but as for us and our homes, they belong to Jesus. Don’t allow sin into your home. No TV show, music, or carelessly sinful person is allowed in our home. Christ dwells in our home. Be a Joshua today and set the standard of faithful obedience in your home – that’s the type of space God continues to bless!