Christian Home

A Christian home is an institution where parents as well as their children are bound together by the selfless caring and sharing love, where children are encouraged in their spiritual and secular growth. In the case of the Church, Lord Jesus is the actual Head; in the same way, Father of the home is usually represented as the head of the household.  (Just as the position enjoyed by the Father in the Holy Trinity or Jesus in the Church.) Mother of the home occupies the position of the Holy Spirit in the Holy Trinity. The child or the children enjoys the love from both the parents and return their innocent love to the parents. The members (Father, Mother and children) consider one another as having equal rights, where loyalty, honesty and co-operation are practiced.

A husband has authority over his wife just as Christ has authority over the church; and so wives must submit completely to their husbands just as the Church submits itself to Christ (Ephesians 5:23-24). This does not mean that the wife is a slave at his footsteps. She is his companion and support, taken from his side, to remain at his side as an equal partner. A Christian husband must always put Christ first in his life as it is said in St. Luke 14:26 "He must love his wife but love Christ more". As he is in the place of the Lord, he has certain privileges and obligations. He has to be like a good shepherd, who would take the sheep to the green pastures. He must hold the staff and rod, which are given to him by God. So he has to make use of the powers entrusted to him wisely and effectively.

Almost all great men have been made great by one or two loving and dedicated woman, a godly mother, or by a devoted wife or by both. Wife's duty is to obey her husband. "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord (Ephesians 5:22)" Also we see in 1 Peter 3:6 that ".. as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him Master." This might be a hard lesson for the modern wife, but she can never be happy or a woman pleasing to God, until she submits to the plan of God. God's ideal Christian home is where both parents love and obey Jesus. Wives are not only to respect and obey their husbands, but they are to love them too and the love must be an unconditional one as explained in I Corinthians, chapter 13. "I also want the women to be modest and sensible about their clothes and to dress properly; not with fancy hair styles or with gold ornaments or pearls or expensive dresses; but with good deeds as is proper for women who claim to be religious. I do not allow them to have authority over men; they must keep quiet." (1 Timothy 2:9-12). This clearly shows us how women have to be. It is a gift of God to be good wives and good mothers. They could become tremendous blessing to their husbands and families

Parents have to realize that their children are a precious gift and heritage from the Lord. King Solomon, the wise, advises us to "Train up a child in the way that he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6). Parents must make sure to bring children to church and Sunday school regularly in time, teach them Bible lessons and stories at home and get them engaged in the family prayers."Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his way.....your children will be like olive shoots around your table." (Psalms 128). "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor our Father and Mother, that it may be well with you and that you may live long on the earth." (Ephesians 6:1-3).

"Homes are made by the wisdom of women." (Proverbs. 14:1). This clearly tells us that women are the builders of Christian homes. It is said that 'Family is the source of rejoicing when all will meet together.' We must do all we can to build up the home. We must not refuse any grace from God which would build up the home, homes full of the love and glory of God and also homes that are holy unto the Lord. May God bless us all to lead a meaningful family life.

May I conclude this with Mother Teresa's remarks "A family that prays and eats together, remains in love for ever."

May God Almighty enable each and everyone of us to enjoy this blessing.