By Mavis duCille
Scripture reading: Ephesians 5:22-26
One of the greatest needs in the world today is proper home life, in particular, and good human relations, in general.
Life, on a whole (which comes from God), is taken so lightly (from conception to termination) that regard and respect are no longer qualities associated with man dealing with man.
Of course, it begins in the home (good or evil), then affects the population as a whole. No wonder the enemy seems so relentless in his effort to destroy homes by instilling conflict and rebellion in the hearts and lives of both parents and children. The destroyer is busy in the homes of both Christians and non-Christians in his effort to devour the people.
Parents, your home is your sanctuary; guard it, in the fear of the Lord and the power of His Spirit. Give no place to the devil.
Let us look at the Word of God’s command pertaining to the home and environment. Ephesians 5 gives us quite a bit to chew on.
Marriage is a unique relationship of husband and wife, which serves as a picture of God’s relationship with His people (Genesis 2:23-24), and Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:22-26). This shows the order of the home established by God.
HUSBANDS: “Husbands, love your wives” – a wonderful opportunity, as well as a solemn obligation, which shows in a small degree God’s righteous love, care and dedication to the church. NO MAN HAS A RIGHT TO MAKE A SLAVE OF HIS WIFE, since each is dependent upon the other. Both have different functions, therefore, each serves the other. Woman is complement to man, thus one is incomplete without the other. It takes both working together in harmony to produce that perfect union that will be the richest blessings of that home. So many times, instead of a rule and authority in love, there is harsh dictatorial rule by the husband, disregarding totally the responsibility, calling and talents of the other member of the union. Undoubtedly, there is that place of responsibility for the wife and mother to complete that oneness, which is the basis for a well-fortified home. A dictator disarms himself of the provision provided in the union as a check and balance, if his wife is obedient to the Spirit of God. Love is living goodwill that wants to penetrate, fill and bless the other with itself. Love is more giving than taking.
WIVES: There is absolutely no doubt that the wife is a very important part of the function. It is very clear in the Word, that an unruly, self-willed, and obdurate wife is a hindrance, rather than a blessing to a man. The Word also makes clear the qualities that adorn a good wife. She should be gracious, virtuous, wise, prudent, and one that has the fear of the Lord.
“Who can find a virtuous woman, for her price is far above rubies” Proverbs 31:10.
“Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord” Proverbs 18:22.
“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised” Proverbs 31:30.
(Excerpt from Nuggets for the Needy, 1997, pages 11-12)
Thought for today: Your home is your sanctuary; guard it, in the fear of the Lord and the power of His Spirit. Give no place to the devil.
Sonlight Devotional 
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