January 16, 2026 | Dan Low
I am forever thankful to God for blessing me with a godly wife who truly fears the Lord, consistently intercedes for her family, and faithfully utilizes her Spirit-shaped talents to serve others (whether that’s teaching middle schoolers for as long as we’ve been married, partnering with me in multiple ways, or pioneering a fresh new opportunity).
Starting our marriage and ministry together in the summer of 1989, we are absolutely stunned with how God has saturated us with his gracious kindness. One foundational lesson that took some time for me to absorb, especially in the first few years of our marriage, was how my ministry as a shepherd starts at home. How well do I care for and attend to the needs of my wife? Am I the kind of dad who privately exemplifies the gospel that I publicly proclaim to others? After all, how can I honestly care for God’s church if I can’t even manage my own household (1 Timothy 3:5)? If my faith is not alive and well at home, how can I expect to meaningfully impact those in our spiritual household?
Mulling over the past thirty-six plus years, I realize that we can never ever take for granted that our marriage is enduring and satisfying and that both our sons and daughters-in-law sincerely love the Lord. Along with cherishing our family and their friends, they serve others well in their respective churches. I am floored and humbled by God’s grace, mercy, and love. I know that so much of where we are as a family today results from a wife/mom who often brings her husband (me) and our children (Chris/Sarah, Jon/Michelle) before God’s throne of grace.
As I recently prepared to speak with our seniors, it struck me that Joshua made his familiar resolution to be a house who serves the Lord when he was older and well advanced in years (Joshua 23:1-2; 24:14-15). Talk about finishing strong. In light of all that the Lord has already accomplished throughout his lifetime (as well as in previous generations), Joshua is all in as a senior adult to faithfully obey the commandments, to diligently remind his household of God’s goodness and power, to decisively put away any idols of our past, and to do whatever the Lord desires for his family.
Whether we are single or married (with/without kids), whatever our stage of life, let’s resolve to serve the Lord. That invariably starts with our immediate household. Be the kind of family member who walks by the Spirit (not giving in to fleshly impulses). Plead with the Lord to work deeply in the hearts of those who are not yet believing in Jesus—or have momentarily stepped away from the faith. Get rid of the idols that compete for our utmost allegiance and affection for the Lord. Yield ourselves today to do the will of the God who has been forever faithful to us.
