What does it mean to abide in Christ, within your home? Sometimes as Christians we get caught up in what is good and noble so long as other people can see it. We go to church, we volunteer, we post scriptures on our social media pages but are these things really ways that we are abiding in Christ? Will they help us raise a Christian family?
To build a Christian home means that you are obeying God even when no one is watching. God asks that we follow His commandments all the time, not just when we are in public or when our children are around.
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Following God’s Instructions for a Christian Life
Abiding in Christ means following God’s directions and walking in His word. God provides a roadmap for our lives and tells us how to live, but not just to merely survive this life on earth but to live it abundantly.
That’s really the main point of abiding in Christ, if we have accepted Jesus as our Lord and saviour and make every day about living for Him, we receive the goodness He has in store for us. His goodness on earth and then His everlasting promise for a Heavenly home!
This is why we abide in Him. When we pray and ask the Holy Spirit to give us the wisdom to pray, we walk alongside God in His plans. And as we walk with Him, we learn from Him. We learn how to love, how to be patient, how to exercise self-control. We learn how to live a life that glorifies God.
That means we need to be practicing these things within the four walls of our dwelling so our families grow in God’s grace as well. Because you Mama can raise a Christian home that is built on Biblical truths just by abiding in Christ!
Abiding in Christ in Your Home
How do we abide in Christ within our home? It means being solid in the foundation of what we want our homes to look and feel like. (If you haven’t yet, go read my post about Building a Christian Home, it gives practical tips to get your home feeling like a Christian home.)
Then take a look around your home and think about whether or not your space is reflecting your Christian values.
A Christian household is one that serves God.
Our homes are like an apple tree in an orchard. God is the farmer who cares for the trees but it is our job as parents to raise our own tree to be fruitful. We need to strengthen our roots so we can withstand storms. Rooted in Christ.
Let’s explore some areas where walking with God and following His biblical principles will help us raise a Christian family that abides in Christ.
What Media Are Your Consuming?
This can be a tripping block for some while others many not be affected by it. Some of us use television and screens as a way to entertain kids and for good reason! Kids are busy and sometimes we just need a few minutes to get something done.
But we also need to consider the impact media and screens are having on our children, the physical effects of it (because yes, it will impact your child’s development) but also the social/emotional effects of what you are consuming in terms of TV, movies and books.
Are you noticing patterns of behaviour in your family after they watch something on TV? Are they coming away feeling happy and renewed or grouchy and withdrawn? Abiding in Christ and raising a Christian family means monitoring the effects of screens on our children and making choices that will help them walk in their faith.
Consider the media you are consuming, is it filling your home with ideas that glorify God?
For more on screens and making healthy choices about media in your home, check out my blog post Teaching Media Literacy from a Christian Perspective.
What Habits Are You Fostering?
Are you encouraging your children to be good stewards of their belongings or of their time? Do they have jobs and tasks they complete everyday? Abiding in Christ means taking care of what we have. Raising a Christian family means building these habits into our children’s lives.
Children are capable of doing many things, even from a young age. Once they are able to walk and get around on their own, cleaning up toys or putting items away is a great way to get them involved.
Household chores help children learn stewardship and caring for what God has blessed them with!
As children continue to grow and become more coordinated, they can be responsible for making their bed, choosing clothing for the day and getting themselves (mostly) ready.
There are other Christian habits we can encourage as well. Praying before meals and bedtime, having a bible study or bible time during the day, reading or listening to bible stories or Christian based books and so on.
Having children help put away groceries, bring in recycling bins, clear the table and so on…all little chores or jobs that teach children about helping around the house, honouring their mother and father and being good stewards!
Keep fostering those Christian habits within your space and abiding in Christ to build up your Christian family!
Choose Love, Joy and Peace
Abiding in Christ within your home means making choices for love, joy and peace even when it is hard. There are days of exhaustion, of endless work and unfulfilling tasks. But God asks that we seek joy in our lives by seeking Him.
When we turn our faces to His goodness and encourage everyone in our home to do the same we create an environment that fosters God’s love. Our children will learn how to bear fruit that is good. They can practice loving even when it’s hard. They can practice choosing joy amidst frustration. They can practice peace instead of conflict.
Ways to “choose joy”
- Listen to (or sing) worship music
- Use your “mundane tasks” (like folding laundry) as prayer time
- Remind yourself that the days are long but the years are short
- Take time to read your Bible with your children
Abiding in Christ means praying and seeking God’s joy in all your tasks!
Be a Light Outside Your Home
To abide in Christ means to abide by His commandments and part of His commands is to share His love with others.
Once you have established your home for God, encourage your children to go out and share God’s light with others.
The things they have practiced in your home need to be brought into their lives so others can see it. Whether it’s at a church youth group or on the playground at school. When children come from a home of grace, they have a solid foundation to stand on out in the world!
Want more encouragement? Grab my free 7-day devotional about Abiding in Christ. Check it out HERE.
Raise a Christian Family That Abides in Christ
Raise a christian family that abides in Christ. Teach your children how to make healthy choices, how to have healthy habits and seek God in all things.
The roots you are laying down now will help your children grow up to be strong men and women of faith. When they step out of your home they bring with them all the teachings you have filled them with.
So keep praying those prayers over them, teach them Bible stories and abide in Christ. His will, His way and His love will foster a strong Christian family!
For more blog posts related to this topic, check out these:
Growing God’s Love In Your Home
Why Children Should Grow Up In Faith-Filled Homes
Scriptures to Pray Over Your Home
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