TIPS FOR HOME BUILDERS

"Other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ" (1Corinthians 3:11).

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house" (Acts 16:31).

"Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it" (Psalm 127:1).

Resolve that your home shall be founded and conducted on the foundational principles of God’s Book, the Bible. Establish a Christian home — one where each member knows Christ as personal Lord and Savior. Then invite the Lord Jesus to be the gracious Head of the home.

"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the Church" (Ephesians 5:25).

"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord" (Ephesians 5:22).

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord" (Ephesians 6:1).

"Fathers, provoke not your children to wrath, but bring them up in the nurture [discipline] and admonition of the Lord" (Eph. 6:4).

Happy are the families where the government of parents is the reign of affection. God’s standards for the home are high, there’s no doubt about it. But they work!

"Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt" (Colossians 4:6).

"Be filled with the Spirit, speaking . . . in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, making melody in your heart to the Lord, Giving thanks always for all things unto God" (Ephesians 5:18-21).

"Thy words were found, and I did eat them, and they word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart" (Jeremiah 15:16).

The Christian home should look and sound like a Christian home. Is the Lord pleased with what you are feeding your souls?

"Truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son, Jesus Christ" (1 John. 1:3).

"If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from all sin" (1 John 1:7).

Confess all known sin in your life and live in obedience to God’s Word. Meet Him regularly with your family and worship Him together.

• Set a definite time
• Let each one take part
• Read and discuss short portions of Scripture
• Pray specifically

A family altar will alter many families.

• Do you still daily demonstrate your love for your wife? Do you frequently surprise her with unexpected gifts and attentions?
• Do you measure up to your God-given responsibilities as head of the home, especially in regard to the training and discipline of the children?
• Do you refrain from criticizing your wife in front of others?
• Do you give an appropriate allowance to your wife, for her to spend as she pleases?
• Do you show the same courtesies to he relatives as you do to your own?
• Do you share at least half of your recreation hours with her?
• Do you listen sympathetically to her problems?
• Do you love her "as Christ loved the Church"? Are you patient, forgiving, understanding, helpful, encouraging, and thoughtful?
• Do you take the initiative in spiritual things?
  

• Do you keep yourself and your home attractive, cheerful and pleasing?
• Do you strive to make the meals as enticing and attractive as possible?
• Are you careful to handle the household money in a businesslike way?
• Do you strive to be a "good sport," cheerful, punctual, and not making a fuss over insignificant things?
• Do you avoid comparing your husband unfavorably with other men?
• Do you show a genuine interest in your husband’s work, without criticizing or giving advice (unless asked)?
• Do you show courtesy and consideration to his relatives?
• Do you refrain from nagging your husband about his weaknesses but rather for him regularly?
• Do you cultivate an interest in his friends and recreations, so you can make a satisfactory partner in his leisure hours?
• Do you recognize your husband in his God-given position as "head" of the home? Are you submissive as to the Lord?

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