Avoiding Divided Homes
Mark 3:25
“And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.”
The home is supposed to be a place of refuge. When you think of home, good thoughts should come to mind. Every week when I am out traveling, my favorite day is the day I get to come home. To me, my home is my refuge. To me, my home is where those whom I love the most live. To me, home brings the happiest thoughts to mind. That is the way every home should be.
God said that a divided home cannot stand. Can you imagine that which is supposed to be our refuge becoming a place where division and strife exists? The Devil is after the home. He knows that if he can destroy the home, then he can destroy the church. The home is the foundation of the church and nation. If the Devil destroys the home, then he can destroy the church and a nation. We must strive to be sure that our homes are strong. The best way to keep them strong is to keep them from being divided. There are some things you must avoid in your home if you want to keep it from being divided.
First, you must avoid strife in your home. In Genesis 13:7-8, there was strife between Abraham and Lot. Abraham raised Lot, and you would think there would be no division. Yet, they were at strife with each other. What was it that caused the strife? Possessions! You must be careful in your home that you don’t let things become a source of strife. Amazingly, many homes fight over things. You must always keep in mind that things can be replaced, but a home that is destroyed is hard to repair. Don’t let things become the source of strife in your home. Don’t allow your children to fight over possessions. How silly it is to fight and divide your home over possessions. The people inside your home are more important that any possession. You can replace things, but you can’t replace people; keep that in mind before you enter strife.
Second, misappropriated love will divide a home. Genesis 37:4 shows us that Joseph was loved more than his brethren. This misappropriated love caused a division in the home. Parents must be very careful not to misappropriate their love. Every child should be loved the same. God loves each of his children the same, even though some of His children are not as obedient as others. Likewise, parents should follow God’s example and be sure to love each child the same so that your home is not divided.
Third, a home filled with individuals who are going different directions will cause division. Amos 3:3 says, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” If the home is going to be filled with harmony, then everyone in the home must be on the same page. A husband and wife who have two different agendas for life will cause division in the home. The Scriptures are very clear that the husband is to lead the home. That means, everyone should get behind the husband or dad and follow his direction. Many homes are divided today because both husband and wife have to work. They both have their desire to be promoted on their job. Thus, you have created a divided home. Be careful that you keep your focus on going the same direction. Serve God together. Keep the same focus by allowing the husband or dad to be the leader in everything.
Your home can only stand if you are one. If your home is not divided, then you will find that home will be that place of refuge and happiness that all will enjoy.