Christ: The Solid Foundation of the Home

The foundation of a house supports the entire structure. If the foundation is not solid, the house is unstable (Mat 7:24-27). The stability of the family also depends upon a well-laid foundation. What should serve as the foundation for our homes?

We recognize that Christ is the foundation of the church (1 Cor 3:10). He is the foundation and chief cornerstone of our relationships with God and other Christians in His church (Eph 2:19-20).

But, when a person becomes a Christian all of his relationships change. The Christian is a new creature (2 Cor 5:17). His associations and dealings with others now have their basis in his relationship with Christ, and, in a sense, Christ becomes the foundation and chief cornerstone of every relationship the new Christian has. For instance, he now obeys and respects civil authority because Christ is the foundation of his life (Rom 13:1-6). If this is true when it comes to the Christian's relationship with government, then it is vitally true when it comes to relationships within the home.

Notice Paul's instructions concerning the duties of young wives in Titus 2:4-5. They need to "love their husbands, to love their children...that the word of God may not be blasphemed!" Similarly, husbands must dwell with their wives "with understanding...that your prayers may not be hindered!" (1 Peter 3:7). If the husband does not provide for his family "he has denied the faith" (1 Timothy 5:8). All of these passages are implying that proper dealings with one another in the home have a direct connection to our affiliation with Jesus Christ. For Christians, THE KEY to beginning to build an ideal home is to realize that every relationship must be governed by Jesus Christ. The way you treat your spouse, children and parents flows from your relationship with Jesus as the foundation for your entire life. And so, the way you fulfill your God-given role in the home says a lot about you as a Christian, and goes a long way toward determining whether your home life will be stable and secure or weak and unsteady.

The church of Christ at Forum welcomes visitors and/or private home studies. See the link below for contact information: www.ForumCOC.org