Vietnam Evangelical Covenant Church – Whenever we ask, “What does a real Christian look like at home?” we must first and foremost look at the life of Jesus. We do this because above all we are to follow Him.
Joshua declared, “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15). True faith is tested most clearly not at church but in our own homes. So what does a Christian at home look like? This article helps us reflect on our faith in our closest relationships. Scripture quotations are from the Berean Standard Bible (BSB).
A Real Christian Starts at Home
What does God expect of you when you live in a Christian family?
Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life. He is our example in every area, including family life.
Jesus had parents and siblings (though He was different from us, because He is the Son of God).
God let His Son be born of a woman, Mary, here on earth so that we could know Him.
By looking at how Jesus lived with His family and with the Father, we learn how to behave at home.
1. Jesus put His relationship with the Father first
It is easy to feel that our biggest issues in life are family issues, because that is what we face every day. But there is something more important than anything else: your relationship with God.
That means however good or bad your relationships with your parents and siblings are, they can never replace your relationship with Jesus.
Your Christian family may be one of these two types:
- If you live in a truly wonderful Christian family, you may not realize you need God. You know how church works and its jargon, but you don’t really know God much.
- You may grow up in a family where everyone believes and goes to church, yet no one acts like a Christian except on Sunday. You may be tempted to write off “your parents’ God” and assume He is no different from your parents.
Obviously God is still God, whatever your family is like. You must know HIM. If you are not pursuing Him, you can’t become the family member He wants you to be.
In Scripture we see that Jesus always prayed and knew the Word, even though He had good parents and was the Son of God.
2. Jesus obeyed without hesitation
God’s will for your family is simple: love Him and know His ways. Part of His way is right relationships with one another:
- Toward your parents: love, honor and obedience (Ephesians 6:1).
- Toward your siblings: deep friendship.
Obedience isn’t as terrible as we think; in fact, it is wonderful. A life of obedience honors God. It takes effort and wholeheartedness, and sometimes feels costly, but it is truly good.
If you disagree, you are assuming Jesus lived a safe, boring life because He did only one thing: obey the Father. Here are a few verses:
So Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing by Himself, unless He sees the Father doing it. For whatever the Father does, the Son also does.” (John 5:19)
So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing on My own, but speak exactly what the Father has taught Me.” (John 8:28)
“I have not spoken on My own, but the Father who sent Me has commanded Me what to say and how to say it.” (John 12:49)
Because Jesus, God the Son, obeyed the Father, we can have eternal life by faith alone. Wonderful things happened because Jesus chose to obey, even when it seemed unfair to Him and was not what He wanted (Mark 14:36).
Is Obedience Boring?
Don’t focus on what role you play, and don’t think of obedience as worthless, dull and unpleasant. See obedience as you displaying God’s glory to your parents and siblings and doing wonderful things.
Let me tell you: I have never regretted obeying my parents. But every time I disobeyed, I regretted it, because things didn’t go God’s way for me and my family.
Jesus had a deep relationship with God, spending time in prayer and knowing His Word. He also obeyed constantly, all the way to giving up His earthly life. So obedience is what a real Christian at home needs to practice.
Living as a Real Christian at Home
A real Christian doesn’t have two faces, one at church and one at home. Patience, gentle words, a servant spirit and forgiveness at home are the clearest evidence of faith.
Choose one specific thing this week to show God’s love to your family: an apology, a helpful chore, or praying together.
You may also like: Family Worship and Living in a Non-Christian Family.
Prayer
Lord, help us be real Christians in our own homes. May our lives at home reflect the love, patience and holiness of Jesus. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Article: Thùy Trang
Adapted from: Fervr.net
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