As Christians we continually hope for a sweeping Spiritual Revival throughout our nation, and subsequently, the world. We long for the Lord to do a supernatural work among us that captures the human heart and regenerates it in an unprecedented manner. Meanwhile, while we wait, work, and pray for this sweeping transformation across our nation; we might pose the question: “What can we do in the meantime?”
I believe that Revival must begin in the church, the family of God, but relative to the smaller institution of our own family. In other words, I believe that we can begin a revolution of the Spirit of God being poured out on the masses, by beginning the process at home amongst our own families to which we have ultimate influence and authority.
Our churches can only hope to be as strong and vibrant as the families that constitute the congregation. With that being said, I believe that if we want to see a Spiritual Awakening it must begin in our families.
To see spiritual renewal and revival in our families we must begin with a true assessment of the Family in our culture. No one can deny the fact that families in our society have digressed in its primary function and infrastructure in relation to our immediate past. Many will agree, inside and outside of the church, the American family is in crisis. When we examine hard data, we can begin to understand the true crisis of which we need the supernatural outpouring of the Spirit of God.
Before I elaborate any further, I want you to know that there is no quick-fix for the challenges that face today’s families…unless you want to talk about God’s intervention and involvement in a marriage.
God can turn a marriage around in a moment if given the opportunity! For the “opportunity” to present itself, however, it must begin by pursuing God’s Word and understanding what He says about marriages and family. Let me offer a foundation for a Revival in our marriages and homes by providing three (3) “ingredients” to a Healthy Home. These “ingredients” are found in Ephesians 5.22-33; 6.1-3. Very simply, these “ingredients” include:
• A Loving Husband: Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her…
• A Respectful Wife: Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord.
• An Obedient Child: Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER (which is the first commandment with a promise), SO THAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH YOU, AND THAT YOU MAY LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH.
I believe if we will start with the examination and implementation of these Biblical “ingredients” to a Healthy Home that we will begin to experience a Revival that sweeps from our homes through our homeland!