From the pen of Dr. Sam Jones

“There’s no place like home; there’s no place like home.” The Bible readings for today are I Chronicles 26-29 and Psalm 127. The thoughts for this Spiritual Moment will come from Psalm 127:1. This psalm is attributed to Solomon. He opens the psalm with the following assertion, unless a home is established by the Lord – it’s worthless (Psa. 127:1). So, Solomon affirms building a home without the Lord is useless. Homes which are characteristic of the Lord’s presence manifest certain distinguished features. The features serve the function of “storm-proofing” homes. Storms are certain; some of the storms which can destroy or attack the foundation and stability of homes are long-term serious health issues, divorce, and the unexpected death of a family member, financial problems, and the reoccurring drug problems of one or more children. These “storms” can destroy homes. So the million-dollar question is what features are necessary for “storm-proofing” homes? “Storm-proof” homes are governed by the following features:

• The family members of the home have a working knowledge of the Lord. The Lord’s word or the Bible is respected and loved by the members. They each take the time to meditate on God’s word to develop wisdom to make good decisions and regulate their interactions. The family members have acquired a deep and abiding love for the word, just like David (Psa. 119:97).
• The family members truly love each other. During my childhood, my family would gather on a Sunday evening after worship to watch a television special that was shown once a year. The program was called “Wizard of Oz.” In her quest to return home, Dorothy uttered the words, “There’s no place like home; there’s no place like home.” Parents strive to give your children a home that when they are away from home, they long to be back. Why? Because there’s no place like home.
• The family members quickly forgive each other when mistakes are made or inappropriate words are spoken. Family members strive to be like the father of the prodigal son. They are patient and understanding with one another. They are able to “let go” of hurtful words and actions of others. Their genuine love for each other causes them to “let go” (I Pet. 4:8).
• The family members want to be together; they enjoy one another’s company. They are able to say as David said when it came time to praise the Lord. For he said, “I was glad when they said, ‘Let us go into the house of the Lord’” (Psa. 122:1). In homes built by the Lord, the members look forward to their time together.
• The family members have frequent, open and honest exchange of words; they are able to express their feelings for each other. The words of the family members are seasoned with salt; they care what they say and how it is communicated (Col. 4:6).
• There’s a strong commitment on the part of the parents to make changes necessary to keep the family or home intact. They care more about the home than self (Eph. 5:25-32). Parents put the others in the home before self. I know this concept is foreign to the American way of thinking but it’s a principle taught by the Lord (Phil. 2:3).

Take the time to “storm-proof” your home. Remember the words of Dorothy, “There’s no place like home; there’s no place like home,” and the words of Solomon unless the home includes the Lord, the place of residence will just be a house.