A Joy-Filled Home
by Harold Vaughan
My wife and I attended a conference dealing with the family. Questionnaires were distributed to all the participants. One question on the children's survey asked, "How would you describe your home? (1) Very Happy (2) Happy (3) Not so happy (4) Miserable." Of the close to 200 children who received the questionnaire, only two described their home as a "very happy" place. I was shocked! From that point until the end of the conference, I could hardly wait to ask my children that question. We can work at making our homes happy places.
Following God's order for the family eliminates a lot of tension and discord. When we work together instead of against each other, life goes more smoothly. God has given fathers, mothers, and children specific instructions. Parents should nurture and train their sons and daughters. Likewise, children should honor and obey their moms and dads. Everyone is obligated to esteem others better than himself. The law of love is simply doing to others as we would want them to do to us; no wonder they call it "The Golden Rule." It's priceless! As we follow God's blueprint for the home, a blessed atmosphere emerges. Peace, encouragement, harmony, and love result when family members follow God's instructions.
What is the root cause of arguments and disagreements? Proverbs 13:10a says, "Only by pride cometh contention." The source of all relational conflict is pride. Strife between parents and children and between siblings and spouses can always be traced to the culprit of pride. Humble people are easy to live with. "Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility" (1 Pet. 5:5a). What a prescription for a happy home!
Application Time: Read 1 Peter 5:5 aloud. Discuss it. Then ask each family member, "How would you describe our home? (1) Very Happy (2) Happy (3) Not so happy (4) Miserable." Ask each family member what could be done to make your home a happier place.
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