By Pastora Monique Lopez Ong
Is your house in order? There is a reason why God said your house has to be in order. Some things may appear nice but there is a proper place for everything. If you want to have unshakeable and immovable faith, you have to keep your house in order. And God has a kingdom order. He did not give you a family to destroy. It is the beginning of a church. When you are asked what a church is, it is not a place of worship. It is composed of people. And these people are composed of families. How is your home? Is Jesus Lord of it?
God has rules to help you live unshakeable and immovable lives with faith in Him.
Husbands - God has blessed you to be the husband of your wife. It is not an accident that you are in your place now. Leave and cleave (Gen. 2:24). In the Philippines, the problem is still the same. Husband and wife still live with their parents in one house. And that can be chaotic. If God gave you the opportunity to become a husband, he will also give you an opportunity to leave and cleave. The house can only have one queen. You are the provider of the home (1Timothy 5:8) God did not say that the woman should not work. But the responsibility of being the sole provider lies on the man’s shoulders. Men are blessed by God. Do not doubt His power. This is the role He gave you and you have to receive it with gladness. If you step in your role, God will step in and help you too. Men are the leaders. So lead. You are also the lover and protector of your wife . You should love your wife as Christ loves His church. He gave up Himself for her(Ephesians 5:25). Treat your wife well (1Peter 3:7). If not, your prayers will not be answered. Women are not perfect, no matter how hard they try to be. You were given a wife as a helpmate so do not be harsh with them (Colossians 3:19). Be faithful to your wife (Ephesians 5:28), (Matthew 5:32). Some homes are broken because you are letting the enemy in. It does not have to be physical. It can be in the form of simple texting. How strong is your faith? Do not open doors and let the demons into your home and your marriage.
Wives - Submit to your husbands as to the Lord in everything(Ephesians 5:22-24), Colossians 3:18). Husbands were made to lead. If you will not obey, he will have a difficult time doing so. Your husband is just an example; but when you submit to him, you are actually practicing to honor, obey and submit to God. It is so important to husbands that they know they have a helpmate. That has to be you. Respect and do good to your husband (1Peter 3:1-2). Sometimes, there are words that do not need to be said; just show it in action. Prayer is your best recourse. Your husband will only react to your words; but God listens to everything you say. Speak life to your husband (Proverbs 31:26). The tongue is a very dangerous weapon. Sometimes, it can kill. Say good things and shower blessings. Be an excellent helper to your husband (Proverbs 31), (Titus 2:5).
Can you now see why you are shaken when trials come your way? There are so many things you do not do inside your homes. God will help you but you also need to help yourself. You need to change.
Parents - Your children are blessings loaned to you by God. He gave you a role to train and discipline your children unto the Lord (Proverbs 22:6). It is your responsibility to teach them about God (Deut. 11:9). You have an influence over your children. Do not ask why they seem to be a certain way - they live with you 24/7. There is a certain type of discipline that works for both parent and child. Learn how to do it. When they grow old without the proper discipline, they will be a pain. As your children grow up, inspire and encourage them (Ephesians 6:4). When they run, they have to be holding the word of God in their hearts. Many are running wounded and hurt because of you. They are afraid to make mistakes. The young people are the future of this nation. Nobody knows how the Lord will use them. When you look at your children, love them.
Children - Trust, obey and honor (Ephesians 6:1-3). Even if you do not understand your parent, trust, because they always have the best intentions for you. Obey at once, because delayed obedience is disobedience. Honor your parents when they grow old because they took care of you when you were little.
This is the kingdom order. If you want unshakeable and immovable faith, fix your house. Surrender it to the Lord. Do your part and God will do the rest. If your husband is cheating, forgive and love him because this is not about your husband anymore. It is about God. If he is hurting you, pray for him still because he is not in his right mind. If your children are rebellious, pray for them. You are they key and the only Bible they can read. You need a house that is strong. One day the church will not exist. But do not be afraid. The church is in your home. Your entire family is the church.