Christian Home Management

Text: Colossians 3:17-25    IBCSS  July 9, 2006

Preacher: Pastor Jose B. Cabajar

   Business world is undeniably fast evolving and becoming highly competitive nowadays. Certainly, good management is one of the key factors to its dramatic advancement. From time to time, special courses on management are being offered and many people grab the opportunity because they realize that such courses are must-haves to become elite and smart. They really know the discriminating advantage of good management.

    As the world shapes its people, believers should not underestimate the value of Christian Home Management, but consider it earnestly and apply it consistently before it’s too late. How tragic it would be if our family members become victims of deceitful “mind-your-own-way” attitude.

   Broken home is an undeniable heartbreaking result of neglected home. Shame, confusion and low morals, to name a few, are unpleasant consequences of questionable home management. Realization of its danger should trigger parents to check what kind of home management they have so they may not neglect their responsibility to protect their home from destructive elements.

   As we see more victims of mismanaged home, we cannot afford not to tell the best way of managing one’s family. Sooner or later, people will come to realize that without the Lord Jesus Christ, no family can attain a well-balanced prosperity. Salvation through faith in Christ is what every family member needs today. It’s a prerequisite to enjoying the blessings of Bible-based Christian Home Management.

   We should not let the world shape our home, but let the Word of God mold us perfectly so we may have a God-pleasing life. The sanctity of marriage and integrity of every home must be loved, protected and preserved for the glory of God. Deep reverence toward the Word of God and strict application of its principles will surely help us protect and preserve our precious home.

   Christian homes have a significant role in leading lost souls to Christ, and through Bible-based principles as their guide to a better home, surely, the will of God will be done marvelously.

   As we go through our lesson, one thing we should not forget is that a home is composed of family members and not just one person, and that every member of a family is either a “potential co-builder” or a “would-be destroyer” of their home. That’s precisely the reason why it is wise to consider personal management in the light of the scriptures so each member could perfectly perform his role in their God-given home.

   (I) Bible-guided Personal Management

       Colossians 3:1-14

       -Managing one’s mind   vs1-4

   Man’s mind is powerful, but it should be controlled and used properly. Managing our thought life is managing the unseen, and we cannot manage our thoughts wisely without first engaging ourselves in an internal warfare. Hence, pulling down our strongholds and winning the internal battle are major things we must accomplish before we could manage our thoughts in a way God wants us to. (Study II Corinthians 10:3-6)

   In Colossians 3:1-4, it is written, If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. (KJV) Our mind must be focused on things above and our goals in life must be Christ-centered. Good mind management keeps a person from polluted thought life. It glorifies God and is beneficial to men. A godly thought is an unseen treasure of an upright man. 

    -Managing one’s body    vs5-7

   In Colossians 3:5-7, the Bible says, Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. (KJV) These verses warn us that a believer’s life should not be under the manipulation of the flesh, but should be well-managed in the way of righteousness. A Christian who possesses self-control is a powerful servant of God.   

   The Bible says, “Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” A pure body is surely delightful to the Lord and a consecrated life will touch many lives to come to the Savior Jesus Christ. Manage your body rightly and be a blessing to others.      

   -Managing one’s emotion  vs7-14

   One of the hardest things to manage in life is one’s emotion and he that manages his emotion well is surely a man of composure.

   In Colossians 3:7-14, it is written, But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. (KJV) These passages tell us what man’s uncontrolled emotion can produce. It also reminds us of the new man’s life in contrast with the old man’s wicked activities.

   A Christian could only manage his emotional life rightly if he truly possesses mastery over the old man. As an amazing result, emotional intelligence will be manifested in his life. Through the grace of God, the new man will triumph consistently and through the power of God, the fruit of the Spirit will be seen continually.

   -Managing one’s time and activities

    vs15-17  Colossians 4:5   Ephesians 5:16

   Time is so precious and should not be used in vanity. We should be aware that engaging in none essential activities are proofs of poor time management. God wants us to have a well-spent time and through Bible-based time management we could use our God-given time wisely for the glory of God.

   Many professing Christians tend to follow the way of the world because they fail to see the importance of surrendering one’s body to God. In Romans 12:1-2, it is written, I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (KJV) A well-managed mind and body in accordance to these verses keep us away from worldly activities.    

   In Colossians 3:15-17, it is written, And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. (KJV) These Bible passages teach us to use our time according to Bible principles. The more Biblical our activities are, the more we shine for Christ.  

   (II) Bible-guided Management Of One’s Gifts,

        Talents, Abilities And Possessions

        I Corinthians 4:2    II Timothy 1:6-7

        Romans 12:6-9

        -Managing God-given things

   God wants His children to be trustworthy and fruitful stewards. In I Corinthians 4:2, it is written, Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. (KJV) The Lord wants His people to excel greatly, but it is so sad because many believers are using their gifts, talents, abilities and possessions in questionable way. They fail to see the right usages of the things God has entrusted them.

   Apparently, worldliness, pride and selfishness are the major causes of questionable management. The life of Nabal reminds us of the danger of worldly lifestyle and mismanaged riches. He displeased God and God smote him that he died. The story of the prodigal son warns of the danger of worldliness and unwise spending. The parable of the rich man in Luke 12:16-21 warns us also not to be covetous, but be mindful of the things of God. I Luke 12:15, it is written, And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. (KJV)

   Be a good steward of what you have and God will prosper the works of your hands. Don’t forget to give what is due to Him and He will bless your life with overflowing blessings.                 

  (III) Bible-guided Management Of Family Members

        Colossians 3:18-25            I Peter 3:1-12

        -Husband as intelligent manager

   Husbands should not only be providers and protectors of their family, but should be intelligent managers as well and they should be known as family men and lovers of their homes.

   In Colossians 3:19, it is written, Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. (KJV) Love-triggered management keeps the members manageable and peace-loving. In Colossians 3:21, it is written, Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. (KJV) Fathers’ motivational words play a vital role in leading their children to a higher level of education and spirituality. The Bible tells us that fathers must bring up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

   A good family standing is undoubtedly a delightful outcome of a husband’s godly leadership and wise home management. In a deeper sense, a good family name is a wonderful result of the members’ team effort.       

      -Wife as humble assistant

   A virtuous wife is not only a powerful assistant to her husband, but a precious jewel of a godly home. Her great love for her home gives sure strength and inspiration to her husband and children. In verse 16, the Bible says, “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.” (KJV) Her important role is not limited within her home, but her godly testimony is surely a great help in the furtherance of the Gospel. ( See I Peter 3:1)         

      -Children as faithful supporters

   God-fearing children give delight and support to the whole family. Manageable and obedient children will truly become good leaders and managers of the future. In Colossians 3:20, it is written, Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. (KJV) Long life is also promised to them that walk in the path of obedience. Our children really need our guidance and earnest prayers so they may not be diverted from the right path.        

      -Servant as a sincere help

   We cannot imagine how chaotic a family would be if servants are unmanageable. Servants must be good stewards and trustworthy. In Colossians 3:22, the Bible says, “Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:” (KJV)

   What a blessing to have the Word of God in our journey of life because through its principles, we could clearly see our individual role, and we could be properly guided as to what God wants us do for the betterment of our Christian Home.

   (IV) Bible-revealed Management Of Our Master

         Above

         Colossians 3:16

         -Under a higher-level of management

   In Colossians 4:1, it is written, Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. (KJV) This passage points that Christians should be good leaders, administrators and managers, and they should acknowledge the authority of our Master in heaven. Without doubt, the Lord Jesus Christ is the best Manager of all and he that observes His directorship will be blessed in a significant way.

   In II Peter 1:3-4, it is written, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (KJV) May these verses be pondered continually in our hearts so we may have the assurance that the Word of God is the best source of knowledge and instruction as we manage our home under the blessed authority of our Heavenly Master. Believe and observe His Word because it is the only way to have a God-glorifying Home.