Topic: The Christian Home
Dear Reader,
I count it a great privilege to share a few thoughts of God’s Word with you, today. I have good news for you: The remaining part of this year will be glorious and packed with surprises, and testimonies as you diligently apply yourself to all that will be coming your way in this column.
What is a Christian Home?
A Christian home is not just a family where everyone is a Christian, because it is much more than that. A Christian home is a Christian-like home. That is, the home runs by the principles of Jesus, and the demands of Scriptures, which represent God’s mind, ways and styles. So, a Christian home is one that is run the same way Christ would run His own home.
Without doubt, the greatest need in the world and in the church, are Christian homes. The home is the oldest institution known to man. It began in the Garden of Eden, when God said: It is not good that the man should be alone: I will make him a help meet for him (Genesis 2:18). The “home” is the parent of the society and not its child. If the home is weak, the society will be weak. If the home is strong, the society will be strong.
Likewise, the church is weakened, when the home is weakened. The influence of the church is diminished by homes that are in turmoil. The breakdown of the home over the past half-century is well documented. Therefore, it is imperative that we do all we can, to strengthen the home in order to strengthen the church which would in turn, strengthen the society and the world at large.
One of the most important things that anyone can do for his country and the Lord’s church is to establish and maintain a Christian home. In order to accomplish this noble purpose, the home must be founded on, and guided by the Word of God.
In scriptures, God gave instructions to every member of the family concerning their responsibilities. To husbands, He says: Love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself up for it (Ephesians 5:25). To wives He says: …Be in subjection unto your own husbands as unto the Lord (Ephesians 5:22). Children are also instructed: Obey your parents in the Lord for this is right (Ephesians 6:1).
The home would be the happy and wonderful place God intended, if every member of the family would follow God’s instruction. Fathers and mothers are given the responsibility of training children in the right way. However, they cannot train children in the right way, unless they are walking in the right way themselves!
The old adage which says: “You cannot lead where you will not go”, is true. The example of parents is the greatest factor in the proper rearing of children. “Like father, like son”, is another true adage. If parents do not respect God and His Word, neither will their children. If parents attend Bible classes and worship services regularly, their children will toe the same line. However, if parents do not spend time in daily Bible study and prayer, their children will follow suit. Therefore, let’s strive to have homes that are centred on God, Christ and the Bible!
It is important for you to also know that every successful home is a threat to satan’s kingdom; that is why he would do anything to destroy it. He shall not succeed to destroy your own home in Jesus’ name! It is quite unfortunate that satan gains entrance to many homes, often, through the women. Remember, he gained access into the first home through Eve, and history always repeats itself.
For this reason, therefore, men ought to protect their wives spiritually, to ensure that they do not engage in private discussions with the enemy, which can send them out of their “garden”. Once the woman is effectively shielded from satan, he will have difficulties in trying to penetrate the home.
Women are more susceptible to the attacks of satan, because of their roles in the home. She is usually more at home than the man. As such, satan creeps in on her and tells her, “What makes you different from the man? Are you a slave? Have you forgotten that you are also educated as he (husband) is? Have you forgotten your placement in your office? There is neither Jew nor Greek, male or female; the same Lord is rich over all.” If unguarded, the woman would be tempted to agree with him.
Somehow, satan is able to secure the attention of women, particularly when they are idle. He barrages them with all sorts of negative information, which in turn makes them unhappy. He often arrests them by painting a deadly picture of calamity and woe, which they readily accept.
Woman, please learn to prove the source of information that comes to you. Find things out for yourself from the Word of God, because nothing anybody says can make the Word of God of no effect. The destruction many homes have experienced, today, came as a result of information that had satanic sources. Your home shall not be destroyed!
In conclusion, having a Christian home begins with accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. In case you are reading this article and you are yet to give your life to Christ, you can simply do so by praying this prayer: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the living God. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.
If you prayed this simple prayer, you are now a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).
Congratulations! You are now born again! All-round rest and peace are guaranteed you, in Jesus’ Name. Call or write, and share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org, pstfaithoyedepo@gmail.com; OR 07026385437 and 08141320204.
For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Building A Successful Home and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).
