Easily answered, the resounding hope is Jesus Christ. He is the cure for what ails us, if only we, as families, would submit to a regular dosage. Even among Christians there may not be a spiritual lacking individually, but how often are spiritual things made family matters? If Christ would be injected into more homes, hope for the future would optimistically be restored. What, though, can be accomplished by adhering to this prescription?
First, happiness will avail. One of the greatest problems the home faces is inward struggles. And while it is certainly true that no family is completely immune to squabbles, too often they are left unresolved thereby leaving the family set at odds. By keeping the Lord first in the home, just as much as individually, the Psalmist said that satisfaction will result. “Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain” (Psalm 127:1). In reference to faithful children, he went on to say that “Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate” (Psalm 127:5). And especially regarding the blessing of a loving wife, Solomon remarked, “She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her” (Proverbs 3:18). Thus, by keeping Christ first in the home it will be happy because the relationships in it are strong.
Second, order will succeed. The liberally minded of America simply do not think the traditional order of the home is fitting for this post-modern age. Women simply are too superior to submit to their husbands and children are maturing quicker so there is really no need for them to be held back by ignorant parents. The scriptures, though, state otherwise. By allowing Christ to reenter the home, the structure God demands will succeed and thrive. Men have the responsibility to lead the home as wives and children submit to them (Titus 2:5; Ephesians 6:2). Parents must take control of their children and nurture their growth both physically and spiritually so as to produce not only upstanding citizens but faithful Christians. And children must submit to their parents (Ephesians 6:1) realizing that their experience and wisdom is beneficial to them rather than only restrictive. God’s plan for the home will work, and its success will be seen in society as well.
Third, peace will reign. Too often the home is viewed as a place of contention rather than a place of calm. A house of altercation instead of a place of accord. The home has, in many places, become a place to avoid rather than a place to hurry back to after a long day of work. This is the home without Christ. A home where Christ is included is filled with love and warmth toward each other because of a common love for Him. As much as I John 4:7,8 applies to brotherly love in the church, it can also apply to the home: “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” Include God in the home and His love will become contagious.
Finally, eternity will be sweeter. There is absolutely nothing that can take away from the joy that the saved soul will have in heaven. But imagine what will be added to that joy upon seeing one’s spouse and children also encircling the Heavenly throne. Even if nothing else of significance was accomplished in life, enjoying salvation with those you loved dearest on earth will make heaven that much better. All the tears shed, emotion felt, and pain suffered will have been worth it and more. And to what can that be attributed? A return to Christ.
In a time that hope for the home seems to be just beyond one’s reach, we can be thankful to God that it is not. The spiritual troubles a family faces are just as easily overcome as those of an individual (I Corinthians 10:13). God has provided the means of escape. Jesus Christ, the hope of the home.