“Wives, understand and support your husbands in ways that show your support for Christ. The husband provides leadership to his wife the way Christ does to his church, not by domineering but by cherishing. So just as the church submits to Christ as he exercises such leadership, wives should likewise submit to their husbands. Husbands, go all out in your love for your wives, exactly as Christ did for the church—a love marked by giving, not getting. Christ’s love makes the church whole. His words evoke her beauty. Everything he does and says is designed to bring the best out of her, dressing her in dazzling white silk, radiant with holiness. And that is how husbands ought to love their wives. They’re really doing themselves a favor—since they’re already “one” in marriage.” (Ephesians 5:22-28 The Message Bible) “Children, do what your parents tell you. This is only right. “Honor your father and mother” is the first commandment that has a promise attached to it, namely, “so you will live well and have a long life. Fathers, don’t frustrate your children with no-win scenarios. Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master.” (Ephesians 6:1-4 The Message Bible)
I’m skipping the décor analogy that I wanted to share with you, about how I work on home improvement projects every day. I’m going to just depend upon God’s word. Henceforth, let the Scriptures above and below be your guide for home improvement. You see, just as I change around furniture and the placement of accent pieces daily, just as I expend energy on changing decor in my hours in your home, your should expend energy in working on improving things in your home. I’m speaking now about working on your relationships, identifying areas where you need to do better, to make all better, in your home. After consenting to cooperate, not with me, but with the Lord, according to His word, put forth the effort and energy to make the necessary changes you uncover or discover. There is something we can improve on every day.
Now hear this if you are living alone, pass this on to your children, and even you children’s children if they are old enough to read. It will profit the former, and prep the latter. And, this is important, if you are living alone, refer to the God’s word to do your due diligence in regard to working on your individual home improvement “things to do” list or projects to improve your Christian character. We are all God’s projects and we all have areas to work on. DO you agree?
As an example of how God’s word will help those who live alone, see how the latter verse below can be comforting when you think you are not loved anymore. Of course, you are! Look and see! Beyond this one example, you will find a multiplicity of treasures in God’s word to help individuals who are single or perhaps empty nesters. Check it out! Be blessed!
“God has made us what we are, and in our union with Christ Jesus he has created us for a life of good deeds, which he has already prepared for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:1 The Good News Translation) “I have always loved you, so I continue to show you my constant love.” (Jeremiah 31:3b)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King