Monday, May 5, 2014

How to turn a house into a Home

Read Proverbs 24.

The problem with most premarital counseling is that no one is listening.  Trying to discuss real life issues and potential conflicts with two people who are at an emotional peak may prove to be fruitless.  The tragedy is that most couples spend all their time getting ready for the wedding, which lasts only a few minutes, and none getting ready for the marriage in which they promise to keep until their death.

What are those key elements that every person, every couple, and everyone in the family needs in order to build a home that will last?

1. "By wisdom a house is built." (v.3a)
Proverbs 9:1 states that "Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn her seven pillars."  James 3:17, then, lists seven characteristics of godly wisdom: pure, peaceable,gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, and sincere.  This requires the filling of the Holy Spirit, self-discipline and a lot of practice.

2. "By understanding it is established." (v.3b)
Understanding each other's personal strengths and weaknesses, abilities and needs, what to do and what not to do, takes a lifelong commitment of time.  This requires a willingness to learn and ability to adapt.

3. "By knowledge the rooms are filled..." (v.4a)
Here is the starting point.  Proverbs 1:7-"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge."  Without a personal relationship with the Savior, the most important decision for a successful marriage will be missed.  Living each day with the mutual awareness of God's life principles and the realization of accountability to Him provides the very glue that is necessary.

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