Add Don't Divide

“And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” Mark 3:25

What a powerful statement Jesus made to His disciples. Reading this scripture caused me to pause in order to let the truth and the weight of the scripture to sink in pass my brain and into my heart.

There is nothing more beautiful than seeing a family who is united, supports each other, forgives each other, and loves each other purposefully and intentionally for the glory of God.

However, the home is also the place where our guards are down and where family members can see each other at their worst! This is why the scripture should be taken very seriously. 

After reading this scripture in Mark 3:25 and moving forward with my day, God showed me how easily I can contribute to a divided home - something that I would NEVER consciously choose to do!  It is all too easy to be a negative contributor especially when we let our opinion and our preferences and yes, our will, take precedence over the ultimate goal of support and unity – a home undivided for His purpose and His glory.

The Bible says in Proverbs 14:1, “The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.” But how does that tearing down happen? It is a slow and subtle process; a wrong attitude, a selfish motive, or a disrespectful response. 

Unfortunately, this gradual down slide could happen to every one of us. But here is where the wise woman builds her home: The wise woman pays attention to the Holy Spirit’s leading and humbles herself if needed, before God and/or her family members. 

May I encourage you as I encourage myself to continually remember that God created the family and loves the family? If we allow Him, He will open the doors to allow our families to be used as a bright beacon of hope to a fallen world. He knows how to erase all of our many foolish mistakes in order to make our marriages and our relationships strong and fortified. With strong family relationships and strong, fortified marriages, our children and our children’s children will be greatly blessed as we model to them what it means to be a home undivided!

Families have many strengths and many weaknesses but let's always be working towards ONE MISSION: "To act justly, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God." Micah 6:8 

FATHER, help us to build a home that is centered on your decrees. Help us to know when we have acted foolishly so that we can turn around and begin building once again. Thank you for valuing family and giving us all of Your support.  In Jesus' Name - Amen.