Baptist City Blog

The dialogue from the verse above all happened because the Pharisees accused Jesus of having a devil. Why did they accuse Him of this? Because he cast a devil out of a man and they didn't like that He was getting more recognition than them. They were jealous of his fame, and they thought He would take their power away from them.

Jesus’ response to these leaders was that if He were possessed with a devil, though He cast out a devil, he would be fighting against Himself. He further explained that a “house divided against itself shall not stand.” Jesus was explaining that a kingdom or house that is going to stand must be united in what it is doing.

There are many dynamics in the home that can divide it. Satan will do everything in his power to use those dynamics to divide your home. You must be careful that you protect yourself from those things that will divide your home if you are going make it a place of harmony. Let me show you several things you must guard against to keep your home from being divided.

First, you must guard against opinions and preferences. The home is made up of many opinions and preferences because every person in the home is made differently. You must be careful that you don't allow your home to become a place of strife because of preferences. You are going to have to learn that at times you are going to have to defer to the other person and allow them to have their way. Don't let your home be a place that is filled with strife all because of opinions or preferences.

Second, you must guard against different directions. What I mean by this statement is that many homes have become divided because of goals. When a husband and wife both work, they can easily become divided because of their careers. You cannot allow your careers to come between you. It is better to live on less than to have plenty and be divided. My friend, watch that your home is not a place where division sets in because your careers come between you.

Third, you must guard against activities that divide the home. In some homes, people get so wrapped up in outside activities that they never have time to enjoy each other. Be careful that hobbies, clubs or sports leagues don't divide the home. I know that in today’s society these things seem to be prevalent, but they are not needed to have a happy family. Many families years ago never had all the activities that we have today, and they were happy. Always remember that every activity with which you get involved has the possibility of dividing your home.

Finally, don't allow your home to be divided spiritually. Be sure that your home is a place where everyone serves the LORD together. There are some homes that everyone is so busy serving the LORD apart that they never see each other. I know it is not always feasible to serve together, but do your best to serve the LORD together as a family.

Life is short, and the home is one of those places that is to be a refuge from the world. Guard against anything that would divide your home. It is better not to do what divides the home than to do it and live in strife and discontent.