William E. Gladstone, the great statesman of England, once said to E. DeWitt Talmage, “Talmage, you talk about the questions of the day. There is only one question, and that’s the question of religion in the home. Settle that and you will settle all questions.” There have been many changes in our world since those words were spoken but they are still true. Since the home produces and develops children, it is still key to the major questions of our day.
What makes a good home? These are four essential qualities:
1. Leadership. The Bible says that the man is to be the head of the house. This has reference to leadership. He is not to run the home, but to head it. He is not to give orders, but to set the example. This implies responsibility more than a privilege and encompasses all areas of life. Many of our problems today could be solved if we’d put the father back at the head of the home.
2. Love. The Bible expresses how important love is when it says, “Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than a stalled ox and hatred therewith” (Proverbs 15:17). Wall-to-wall carpets and big screen TVs are of little comfort if love does not exist in a family.
3. Respect. Respect for rules and authority is essential for all of life. If we are to survive, we must learn the rules of safety. If we are to be healthy, we must learn the rules of health. If we are to mingle in society, we must learn the rules of etiquette. If we are to drive a car, we must learn the rules of the road. As there must be respect for rules and authority in the rest of life, so there must be in the home.
4. Discipline. In the training of children and the prevention of crime, there is no substitute for parents who are both strict and loving. These two qualities need to be blended together for the most effective training.
These things make a happy home. How is yours coming along?