A House Full Of Treasures

Ruth

By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.

—Proverbs 24:3–4

It’s a vicious cycle. With four kids (including two teenagers), a large dog, and two hamsters, it seems like the minute we have the house clean, everything starts to come undone again! It’s taken me years to be okay with not having the picture-perfect home.

There is nothing wrong with having a nice home. We should work hard to maintain the order and beauty of the space God has given us. But our goal should never be to have the perfect home.

I want my home to be a sanctuary, a place of refuge and rest for our family. I don’t want to give in to the mess. But more important than having a house that is always clean and tidy is a home where God’s presence dwells. After all, a home is to be lived in and not just looked at.

I love the reminder in the Old Testament book of Proverbs that says, “By wisdom a house is built” (24:3). We are to create and cultivate a home environment that honors God more than it impresses others. Instead of always filling each room with what looks good or is in style, we are to fill our house with “rare and beautiful treasures” (v. 4).

These “rare and beautiful treasures” are not material possessions, but spiritual blessings for our family. When we cultivate a home to be lived in for God’s purposes, we are laying a foundation of faith. It’s a home where Jesus is the center. It’s a home where loving God and loving one another is the most important thing.

In a culture that values appearances, don’t give in to trying to impress others. Seek to honor God with your home. Create an environment where God’s presence is felt and His purposes are pursued. The inf luence that will matter most in your home is not how your house looks, but the One you are living for.

Holy Spirit, come and fill my home. Make it a place of rest and refuge for family and friends. More than how it looks, remind me of the One I am living for. Teach me to build my home wisely, filling each room with the truth and promises of Your Word. In Jesus’ name, amen.

In what ways do you focus too much on how your house looks?

What are some ways you can begin to fill your house with “rare and beautiful treasures” or blessings?