Our homes mean so much to us as women, especially as Christian women. We want our homes to be what Christ wants and what pleases Him. Let’s look at how a wise woman builds her house (Proverbs 9:1).
- Faith is the foundation. Everything in our house is built on faith—the unquestioning certainty that everything depends on our belief in what Jesus says—trust conjoined with obedience. We believe and obey with our whole heart (Psalm 119:10; Job 42:2; Hebrews 1:3). Now let’s walk through each room.
- Sanctified—just like we as Christians are sanctified, our homes are also set apart for a divine purpose (I Corinthians 6:11). It is not a place where we happen to drop in to eat or sleep. It is the place where God is honored. In 2 Peter 1 the English word is godliness, but in Greek it is eusebeia, meaning devotion or piety, literally “to fall back in awe.” Christian homes are where godliness begins. This godliness then transfers to honoring God in worship and life.
- Submission—we recognize God’s plan for us as wives to be in submission to our husbands. This plan is a role we live and serve in. It is not one of inferiority, but love and honor. As wives we love and reverence our husbands (Titus 2:4; Ephesians 5:33); we seek his good for all of our lives (Proverbs 31:12). It would be wise to marry a man you can admire who loves you as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25). Love for him and for God leads us to submit easily. If you are a single Christian woman, remember you also live in submission—to God. He knows best, and we all must follow His will (Psalm 33:4; Luke 11:28).
- Study and Stand Fast—the truth must flourish in our homes. We must study the Bible diligently that we may know what to stand for. What are you studying right now? If you are not studying, Satan is winning! David meditated upon God’s Word day and night (Psalm 1). The word of God must dwell in us richly (Colossians 3:16). Then we can be steadfast, immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord (I Corinthians 15:58). Our lives must be filled with the virtue of 2 Peter 1:3-11. That is moral courage! When we prepare ourselves through study and prayer, then we can stand strong in our homes against sin, temptation, and Satan. We can say my faith fears no one but God!
- Serve and Seek Souls—our homes are where service begins. We serve our husband, children, the church, and the world. To be great in the kingdom, we must serve (Matthew 23:11; 20:25-28). Here is where we train our children, especially. We do not just say “hunt, dog, hunt” as the bad hunter did to his pups. We live the Christian life before our family and include them in our acts of service. We take them with us to the hospital, to the funeral, to provide food, and to teach others. As Christian mothers we are obligated to our children to teach, train, turn loose, and then trust God. Seeking souls goes hand in hand with service. We teach our family to look at every person as a soul that will spend eternity somewhere. The manifold wisdom of God is made known by the church (Ephesians 3:10). We glorify God by what we do for others—whether in service or teaching!
- Struggles and Strength—every home will encounter storms. This is life, not heaven. In this world we will suffer disappointments, loss, difficult circumstances, and sometimes years of bad decisions. First, we must build on the Rock (Luke 6:48; Matthew 7:24f). We must dig down deep with our foundation in Christ. Second, we must trust Jesus during the storm. Remember the apostles in Mark 4:35? Jesus Christ Himself was asleep in their boat; yet they feared and He rebuked them—O ye of little faith! We must make sure we are in His boat and trust Him to guide us through life’s stormy seas! Next, we must look beyond this world of troubles and focus on eternity. Also, we should cast our cares upon the Lord and immerse ourselves in God’s Word where we will find true comfort and direction (I Peter 5:7; Romans 15:4). Our strength comes from the Lord and His Word. In times of adversity we must say, like Jesus, “It is written.” We must have the strength to protect our home if it is to be one of faith. We must stand strong against the snakes of the world that would try to invade our homes, such as drugs, pornography, impurities in all forms!
- Celebrate—the tone of your home is created by you. The joy of your salvation should be felt by your husband and children. You are living the abundant life—that means the superior life (John 10:10). Make your home a safe haven that your family wants to come home to. To truly enjoy this home of faith with your family make sure that you have gotten rid of that one thing that stands between you and God. Remember the rich young ruler (Luke 18:18f) who went away sorrowfully because of the one thing that stood between him and the Lord. Be wholly devoted to the One Who died for you and influence your family to do the same. Our homes will be places of celebration if we are seeking spiritual wealth!
- Love—here’s the roof of your home of faith. Love covers it all. It is the more excellent way Paul teaches us. Love one another—love your neighbor—love your enemies—love your husband and children—by love serve one another—love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength—these are Jesus’ teachings (I Corinthians 13; Matthew 5:44-46; 22:37; John 13:34; 14:15; Titus 2:4; Galatians 5:6). We will not live perfect lives in our home of faith, but we can live faithful lives there! “Love covers a multitude of sins” (I Peter 4:8).
As we walk through each of these rooms, we find a home where truth flourishes and love abounds—that is the Home of Faith.
-Debbie Kea, Griffin, GA
The notes from our recent lecture at Tennessee Bible College are here for download and print- please click the picture:
https://www.tn-biblecollege.edu/dkea-faithinthehome.png
