Protecting the sanctity of our home is a full-time job in this world. Satan's attacks come from every side and through numerous avenues. Daily, we are barraged with horrifying stories from the news networks on our televisions. We may live in a place where we are subjected to the shouting and hatefulness of neighbors nearby. The newspaper touts headlines of wars across the globe, domestic abuse in our communities, and untimely deaths resulting from impaired driving on the highways. In short, Satan wants to keep us ever mindful of the state of this fallen world and distract our attention from the power we have in Christ Jesus to triumph over such tragedies. It is not his desire to see us enter our homes with an attitude of peacefulness, joy, love, and encouragement.
Down through the years, my husband and I have ferociously protected the peaceful sanctity of our home. Years ago we determined that "home" would be a word that meant "safe," "quiet," "acceptance," and "love" to our family and anyone who entered into it. On occasion, it has been necessary to defend that mindset vigorously and in the face of people who would try to undermine it. I distinctly remember one event wherein my husband informed a disruptive couple in our home that they were being given a choice: "You may either choose to walk out that door under your own power, the way you came in... or you may choose to have me put you out that door under my power. I can promise you, one way or the other, you are leaving this home!" It was not a pleasant task for him and was certainly unsettling to the rest of us, but it was necessary at that moment.
We have often opened our home to others who needed a place to stay, as well. We are always blessed to be able to offer our guest room and bath to individuals in need of them. However, we have often cautioned those people that we will not allow any behavior (from them or those with whom they associate) to enter into our home that will disrupt the peacefulness that we hold so dear. Unfortunately, that message sometimes isn't taken to heart, and we have in the past had to require that people pack up and leave our home after causing unrest and division. It always makes us very sad to do that, but in the end we believe the lesson being taught is that of respect, dignity, and personal responsibility for the one who is asked to depart. We do no favors if we allow people to behave in disruptive ways and rob others of their peace, and we do nothing to show that such behaviors are unacceptable to us and to Almighty God.
Until recently our son had a precious dog named Mason, whose company we also were blessed to know in our home for many years. He was a beautiful golden retriever and a blessed addition to both our families. Shawn (our son) and his family live next door to us. Because they do not currently have a garage, he stores his motorcycle in ours and rides it often back and forth from his daily workplace. Mason could hear Shawn approaching home long before any human ears became aware of him. He would hop up from the floor and head for the back door, eager for our daughter-in-law to let him out the door to trot across the two yards and greet his master (or "Alpha," as Shawn referred to himself), tail wagging and a dance in his step. You could almost hear Mason say, "You're home! You're home! I'm so glad to see you! I've missed you! I really, really love you!" I loved watching this welcome unveil each day. I know Shawn also loved it. Mason is gone now, but we will always remember that feeling of warmth and acceptance that he so freely shared with those he loved. I think we would all be wise to follow Mason's example. What a blessing it would be to those we love to know that we're excited to welcome them home. In Luke 15:11-32 we can read the story of the return of the prodigal son and the joy his presence generated in the heart of his father. His son was home. Regardless of what had happened out in the world, the son was welcomed home with enthusiasm, joy, and unconditional love.
To some people, the word "home" carries with it the thoughts of verbal abuse, degradation, and even (for some) physical violence. It is a place to be avoided at all cost, and so they seek love and acceptance out on the streets or in other inappropriate places that only bring more heartache and hurt into their lives. How sad it is to see those homes where Satan has been given the victory and the peace of God has been covered over by the anger of mankind.
I encourage you today to determine in your heart that home will always mean "HOME, SWEET HOME" for yourself and those you love. Whether at work, at school, or even in the Land of Oz, may you and your family always be able to say "There's no place like home," and to do so with smiles on your faces and joy in your hearts as you anticipate your return.
"Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it..."
(Psalm 127:1)
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