An interesting truth emerges as we study the New Testament regarding men who were brought to Christ. The home became their first sphere of testimony:
- The demoniac man, recently healed was told by the Lord “To go home.” (Mark 5:19)
- When Peter left his fishing he took the Lord home. (Mark 1:29)
- The Philippian jailer, after his conversion, turned over his home to the Lord. (Acts 16)
An open home for the Lord and His people is the stamp of reality of our faith in Christ. (Lydia – Acts 16). The greatest honor that a family can have is to have the Lord dwelling in their home.
Our Conduct in the Home
Ephesians 5:2“Walk in love, as Christ has loved us.”
First: Love. This is the first requirement of an ideal Christian home. That same love that thrilled you and prompted you to ask your partner to marry you, should be constantly displayed in the home. Our love for each other should be similar to the love Christ has for us. It is into such a home that Jesus will come, making it a veritable heaven upon earth.
Things to Avoid
Paul is very realistic in his code of conduct for the home. No foolish talking nor jesting, these things are not fitting to a Christian home (Ephesians 5:4). We should not criticize another person, nor speak of the work at the Chapel in a condemnatory way before our children.
The secret of a good marriage is when both parents are under the control of the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 says, “Be filled with the Spirit.” If we are filled with the Holy Spirit certain things will emerge in our home. Ephesians 5:19 talks about speaking to one another in psalms and singing and making melody with all your heart.
- Ephesians 5:20 Giving thanks for all things.
- Ephesians 5:21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
- Ephesians 5:22 Wives submit yourselves unto your own husband as unto the Lord.
Abraham Lincoln wrote:
The woman was not taken from Adam’s feet, we see
So we must not abuse her -- the meaning seems to be.
The woman was not taken from Adam’s head, we know
To show that she must not rule him -- ‘Tis evidently so.
The woman -- she was taken from under Adam’s arm
So she must be protected -- from injuries and harm.
Ephesians 5:25 says, “Husbands love your wives,” even as Christ. We, husbands, should love our wives as Christ loved the church and if necessary give our life for her. The result of a marriage in the Lord is that two persons become one (Ephesians 5:31). One in person - in spirit - in purpose - one in the Lord, just as Christ and the Church are one (Ephesians 5:32)
Paul continues with Ephesians 6:4, "Fathers do not provoke your children," and Ephesians 6:1, Children obey your parents in the Lord. In closing Paul outlines the solemn duties of the spiritual wife and mother:
She should be sober minded (i.e. serious).
She should love her husband and love her children.
She should be sensible, discreet, a homemaker, and kind and obedient to her own husband.
A home based on these principles will never falter nor fail - it will stand the test of time and the storms of life. From such a home will come men and women of God.