I’m sure you’ve thought of this. What would make my home better? Is it even possible for a home to be like heaven?
The Bible says a great deal about the home and family, as well as the responsibilities of husbands and wives.
Paul gave us a picture of a home which reflects God’s blessing. In his letters to the Colossians and to the Ephesians, he wrote about the responsibilities of all the members of the household. Ephesians is often thought of as a general letter which would go out to the larger Christian community.
What would make for a heavenly home?
First, a loving husband (Ephesians 5:25, 28, 33; Colossians 3:19). Paul called husbands to love their wives in the way Jesus loved the church, giving Himself sacrificially for it. This is the picture of a New Testament husband, a husband willing to be selfless for the good of His wife and for the family.
When we think of a loving husband, we also think of a woman’s need to be cherished and treated with respect and dignity. The loving husband will overcome the impulse to be harsh and demanding.
Second, a submissive and respectful wife (Ephesians 5:21-24, 33; Colossians 3:18). Studies have shown how husbands need to be respected. Amazingly, long before modern psychology the Bible showed us the necessity of wives respecting their husbands.
Nothing in these passages mentions a wife who deserves love or a husband who deserves respect. These are given because God demands our obedience.
Third, obedient children (Ephesians 6:1-3, Colossians 3:20). Obedient children please God and bless their parents. Children, of course, have to be taught to be obedient by caring parents.
Fourth, parents, particularly fathers, who deeply love their children and look out for the long-term, best good for their children (Ephesians 6:4, Colossians 3:21). Parents need particular wisdom to give their children correction without breaking their spirit or stunting their emotional development.
Being a parent is a demanding and exhausting job filled with amazing rewards.
Here is the key for a good home. A heavenly home will have everyone on board, pulling together for the good of the family. Homes like this occur because of the grace of God and the involvement of every member of the family.
We generally read these passages and think of what other family members do not do. God intended us to look at ourselves to see what He wants us to do.
May God lead you to do your part, and may He bless your home.
If you would like to receive my daily posts, you can subscribe at the top of the page. It’s easy and it’s free. I would also appreciate your sending this to others as well. Waylonbailey.com is my ministry across the internet. Thank you for reading and sharing.
One Response
Actually, as a young person, younger than 30 say, I do not recall a thought about any of the things you mention. It just seemed to be a given that we would work, and seek to enjoy each other, life and our children. Biology seemed always be in strife with economics, yet somehow honor and duty to our word and commitment to Christ ruled. It took people like you who pointed out, other than obvious differences, what is “appropriate” and the need for individual selective space. We each had plenty of individual space, at that time, perhaps too much. Being a work-a-holic takes up much time. It took a fidelity to Christ to stop making wealth for myself and my family, as portrayed by the “Church.” Since I only have worked harder and longer since then with less time for refreshment, I must have plenty of treasure laid up for me and mine. I hope you can say the same.
Blessings