For over three thousand years, countless people have made the commitment: "As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord" (Jos 24:15). By making this commitment, we do more than serve the Lord. We become slaves of the Lord (see Rm 6:16; Col 3:24). It is no longer we who live but Christ Who lives in us (Gal 2:20).

In committing themselves to be slaves of the Lord:

• Wives commit themselves to be "submissive to their husbands as if to the Lord" (Eph 5:22).
• Husbands commit themselves to give themselves up for their wives (Eph 5:25).
• Children commit themselves to honor and obey their parents (Eph 6:1-2).
• Parents commit themselves to make their children disciples of Jesus by giving them "the training and instruction befitting the Lord" (Eph 6:4).
• Employees commit themselves to obey their employers and supervisors "with the reverence, the awe, and the sincerity" they owe to Christ (Eph 6:5).
• Employers commit themselves to treat their employees with justice, dignity, and love — even when this approach does not maximize profits (see Eph 6:9).

There is much more to "serving the Lord." Nevertheless, based on what you know so far, will you and your household commit to serving the Lord?

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Edward J. Gratsch, March 8, 2000

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 9, 2000