A Few Ideas On Remodeling | Northstar Church

“I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.”– 1 Corinthians 1:10.

There are so many home makeover programs on television. There are also remodeling programs. For a long time Trading Spaces was very popular. Two families would be hosted on the show. Each family would get $1,000 and the help of a professional interior decorator to remodel the other person’s kitchen, family room, etc. At the end of the show, they would go and see what the other couple did.

Whether or not you enjoy watching or doing remodeling, it is almost always part of living in a home. Homes deteriorate, get damaged, go out of style or simply need freshening up from time to time. We can look at families the same way. Whether your family is young or old, regardless of how long you’ve been married or how many children and grandchildren you have, every family can benefit from occasional remodeling. Some families need only minor remodeling while others may need major renovation. Why do I say that? Because all of us live among imperfect families.

No matter what kind of family remodeling project you want to undertake, they all begin in this same place: with an idea of what changes need to take place and a vision of what the finished product will look like. Ephesians 5 and 6 are two of the great chapters on family life in the Bible. “For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her.” (Ephesians 5:25) Ephesians 5:22 says, “For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord.” Ephesians 6:1: “Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do.” And Ephesians 6:4 says, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.”

All these verses suggest family remodeling is not easy. These verses suggest that a family that looks like God wants it to look like it is going to require an investment of your time, your energy, your focus, your attention, and your resources. You don’t grow healthy, God-honoring families by accident, and you don’t grow them by making a half-hearted effort. It takes commitment. Just like in remodeling a home, shortcuts and cheap investments are not going to get you where you want to be.

Your family may need some major remodeling and your family may only need some very minor improvements. But regardless of where you are in that continuum, there is no family that does not need to be offered up to God as a family dedicated to honoring Him. If you haven’t done that yet, it is never too late. Start your remodeling project by getting your family in the Word and getting the Word in your family. Your family will grow closer to God.

Discussion Questions:

Is your marriage or relationship with your kids in some need of remodeling?
What are some steps you can take this week to begin the remodeling process?