Our Homes

George Stiekes

O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear Me, and keep all My commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children forever. Deuteronomy 5:29

The church of Jesus Christ is supposed to be an influence for righteousness and holiness in our world. Just as Paul encouraged the believers at Philippi to follow his example, we ought to be able to be an example before the watching world around us of what Christ wants us to be (Philippians 3:17). The saints in the church at Thessalonica did just that so that the watching world spoke about it (I Thessalonians 1:7-8).

When speaking about revival, we recognize that it must start in the church. You can only revive something that is living and those without Christ are spiritually dead. They do not need revival, they need to be made alive (Ephesians 2:1-3).

Perhaps we should speak of the need for revival to start in our homes. The church of Jesus Christ today has become so much like the world that immorality, pornography, marital problems, teenage rebellion, and divorce is becoming common amongst God’s people. We cannot reach our world for Christ when we are becoming like the world.

Parenting is more difficult today than in the past. There are so many different avenues of activities to draw our children away from the home. Parents can give their children love, food and shelter, nice clothes and so many other things, but the most important thing a parent can do is to live a godly consecrated life before their children. It is crucial that our children see God’s Word opened daily and hear their parents pray in the home. Children need to see in their parents the love, joy, peace and unity that comes in a deep abiding relationship with God.

Yes, we pray for revival in our nation, but it needs to start in our lives individually, in our homes and in our churches.

Philippians 2:11 reminds us that the day is coming when every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is LORD. When genuine revival takes place, Jesus Christ becomes Lord of our lives – our speech, our plans, our thoughts, our activities, what we watch on television and the list is endless. Is Jesus Christ your Lord? That is the heart of revival. People so easily get all caught up with sports – baseball, football, basketball, etc. We need to caught up into Jesus Christ and eternity!

George Stiekes held successful pastorates in churches in Michigan and Washington among other places. He currently resides in North Carolina and blogs at Reverent Reflections. We recommend his ministry and republish his material by permission.