When Joshua addressed the nation, he heavily implied that a strong nation begins with the home (Josh. 24:15). Many of the societal issues today can be attributed to the deterioration of the home, shining a light on its importance. God established the home in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 1:27-28), and it has proven to the foundational pillar of society. The importance of godly homes has not diminished, and is as necessary today as it has ever been. An adherence to God’s Word, a yearning to please Him, and a sense of obligation to His glory comes when a home strives to carry the moniker of “A Godly Home.”
A Godly Home Instills a Bias Towards the Bible
No one can enter into a study of God’s Word without being influenced by their environment and circumstances. This is not to say that one cannot approach God’s Word with an honest heart, but totally free of outside persuasion is impossible for everyone. With that in mind, why not swing the proverbial pendulum toward God and His Word? Solomon wrote, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Pro. 22:6). The Hebrew word translated “train” can also be translated “dedicate,” and carries the sense of developing or dedicating a person’s behavior toward something. It is the same word used when Solomon dedicated the temple to God (1 Kings 8:63; 2 Chron. 7:5). Wise Solomon advises dedicating, influencing our children, toward God and His precepts. Today, too many children are taught to be skeptical of the Bible – the godly home trains children to be skeptical of the Bible’s opponents. Paul wrote, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). The Greek word translated “discipline” (“nurture” in the KJV) entails the sense of cultivating and developing the mind and morals of the child (used also in 2 Tim. 3:16; Heb. 12:5,7-8, 11). The word translated “instruction” (“admonition” in the KJV) carries the tone of cautionary advice or a warning of danger (cf., 1 Cor. 10:11; Tit. 3:10). Oh, that there were more homes in the world that dedicated and cultivated a bias toward God and His Word, while warning of the dangers of contradictory philosophies and ideologies.
A Godly Home is Prepared to Stand Alone
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus mentioned the path that leads to life that only a few will find (Matt 7:14). Throughout the Bible, God has proven that He does not need the majority to bring about His will. Whether one considers the eight souls to survive the flood (Gen. 7:13; 1 Pet. 3:20), the “diminished” army’s victory over the Midianites (Judges 7:7), or the faithful remnant that refused to worship the idol, Baal (1 Kings 19:18) – God and His people were victorious. Conformity is a mindset that plagues society, and has led to many of the abominations that contradict God’s will today. The fear of being ostracized has led many households to neglect their responsibilities to God, adopt lifestyles that focus on the physical matters of this world, and condone behaviors that stir the wrath of the Creator. Immodesty, lasciviousness, forsaking the assembling of the saints, and the like can often be attributed to a family’s desire to fit and a fear of “missing out.” When Jesus went further in the Garden of Gethsemane to pray (Matt. 26:36-44) and as He hung on the cross, the world saw Him as alone and by Himself; however, He was in the company of His Father. If one is to stand with Jesus, he or she must be prepared to stand against the world, at times, alone. Parents prepare their children for this when they say no to the dances, they miss the ballgames because of Bible class and worship, and enforce a standard of modesty and spiritual growth – though they may be ridiculed. Because the one who stands with God is never really in the minority.
A Godly Home Prioritizes Spiritual Matters
There is not a single, fit parent that does not want their child to succeed. Success is a natural desire for all, but where that success is found differs among the people. There is nothing inherently wicked with accomplishments in academia, athletics, and social circumstances; in fact, one should strive to do his or her best to the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31; Col. 3:17).
Nevertheless, all should strive for success in matters that will benefit forever. The Bible speaks of treasures that would not be destroyed (Matt. 6:19-21), an accolade of the greatest accomplishment (Matt. 25:21, 23), and a crown given by the Righteous Judge, Himself (2 Tim. 4:6-8). Trophies will one day tarnish and rust, grades will one day be meaningless, and social status will only be a memory, but spiritual success will never fade. Prioritize the things that matter the most.
Regardless of the time of year, now is the opportune time to commit our homes to the service and glory of God. Let us all, as individuals, families, and congregations, seek to instill a bias toward God and His Word, prepare to stand with God though it may mean standing alone, and prioritize that spiritual matters – the matters that are truly eternal.