A Godly Family In An Ungodly World No Place Like Home “So he got up and went to his father. "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” Luke 15:20 NIV

Note of Disclaimer Most homes do not have God anywhere in the picture. Most people do not respect God’s word enough to live like He wants. As we discuss the home as God would have it, we must face the reality that most homes are not of this nature. Even many of us did not grow up in such a home. The few that did know that there is no place like home.

No Place Like Home “…Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it…” (Psalm 127:1). Have you ever wondered what a house built by God would look like? What qualities or traits would be present in a household or family unit that is built upon God’s word and filled with His Spirit? These are great questions to consider if you are striving to have a godly family in an ungodly world.

No Place Like Home If you desire is to have a home that is “built by the Lord”, I believe a great example to look at and learn from is the home presented in Luke 15: Most of us know this parable as the story of the Prodigal Son. However, if we look a little closer, we can discover some key characteristics that will be present when the Lord builds your house.

No Place Like Home Liberty (Luke 15:11-12) – Although the father didn’t have to, he accepted his son’s request. In a family, it is normal and expected by parents that their children will fall into line with the demands and expectations of the parents. However, as the children get older and become more independent, the parents must accept that, as adults, we are free to make choices that determine the course of our lives.

No Place Like Home Even though we may make choices He does not agree with, God still gives us the freedom to choose. In a home built by the Lord, there is a certain level of liberty and acceptance that is given that allows each member the freedom to choose even if it is a choice to leave and live how they choose. We should also expect that those with wisdom will offer advice about those choices. In reality that advice is usually ignored.

No Place Like Home Provision (Luke 15:16-17) – Are the members of your household getting what they need in your home? I am not referring to the physical things like food and clothing. Are your spouse and children being provided with the emotional and spiritual support they need to assure them that they are loved and appreciated…that they matter? When we provide for the physical, mental and spiritual needs of our home, we are exemplifying the Spirit of God and what He has done and continues to do for us…love. The prodigal son remembered that everything he needed could be found in his father’s house. Can the members of your household say this about your home?

No Place Like Home Compassion (Luke 15:20) – God is full of compassion but what about your household? Is your home a place where the members of your family can find mercy, help or comfort during their time of affliction and trouble or do they encounter judgment and blame? One of the ways that God demonstrates His compassion is that He never gives us what we deserve but He always gives us what we need. Make sure you and the members of your household know how to show compassion to each other rather than condemnation. Treat others as you would have them treat you.

No Place Like Home We begin looking at the parable Jesus Christ gave in Luke 15:11-32 as a source to identify the characteristics of a home that embodies the Spirit of God…a house built by the Lord. We discovered that, based upon inference of the text, a home built upon God’s word and filled with His Spirit, will offer liberty, provision and compassion for those who are a part of it. Are those traits present within your home? Do the members of your household have the freedom to choose the path for their lives as adults…even if you do not understand or agree with it?

No Place Like Home Are the spiritual, physical, mental and emotional needs of you and your family/household being provided for by everyone in the house? When mistakes are made by someone in your household or someone finds themselves in affliction or trouble, do they find a merciful and compassionate heart within the household or condemnation? In addition to those traits, we also find the following traits in the home presented in the parable of the prodigal son:

No Place Like Home Restoration (Luke 15:21-24) – When the son acknowledged his disobedience, the father wanted to acknowledge to that son and others that the son was forgiven and his relationship with the father had been restored. In many families, when someone makes a mistake, acknowledges it and tries to make a change for the better, members of that family often ostracize the person and constantly hold that mistake over their head. The truest evidence of forgiveness is when you don’t allow the wrong of the past to cause you to mistreat the person in the present. When someone makes a mistake in your household and has the courage to admit it and seek your forgiveness, reassure them that they are still loved and are a part of the family.

No Place Like Home Unconditional Love (Luke 15:25-32) – The elder son felt that the younger son should have been treated differently by the father because of the younger son’s actions. However, the father had to reassure that elder son that his love for both of them was not based on their actions but their relationship to the father. A household filled with the word and Spirit of God demonstrates concern, care and compassion (love) for one another not based on what a person does or doesn’t do but because that is who God is and what He commands.

No Place Like Home The Parable of the Good Samaritan exemplifies this. The poor victim was looked down upon from those who knew better. And a complete stranger showed compassion.(Luke 10:25-37) 1 John 4:7-8 “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love”. Where love is in the home, there’s____________.

No Place Like Home A house built by the Lord will exemplify the traits of God and His love. You will know that God’s Spirit dwells there and it will be a place where people always want to come back to. If you desire that these traits be present in your home, the Lord must be, first, present in your life/heart.

No Place Like Home (Disclaimer) Certainly, we are not talking about every home and family. We must face reality even if it is not preferred. But if we try to build godly homes, the home will be a place of refuge, security, and love. Each member of the household should be a part of each other in purpose and spirit. John 15:1-7 Jesus explains that branches cannot exist without being a part of the vine.

Conclusion We must remember that we cannot have a godly home without the guidance of God through His word. Submit yourself to God’s word daily and ask Him to begin to build your household into a family that exemplifies and glorifies His word and His Spirit. A home can be a place of fond memories, or bitter resentment. We know what God wants in a home, and it is up to us to make it happen in our own homes.