A House Is Not A Home Without Jesus Series

A House Is Not A Home Without Jesus

By: C. Mason Davis

Today’s Scripture

Joshua 24:15, "But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD," establishing the family's commitment to God as the foundation of the home.”

What does the phrase “a house is not a home without Jesus” mean to you? Think about that! If your answer is that true domestic life and a lasting home require a spiritual foundation built on faith in Jesus; you’re spot on. This phrase often emphasizes that a "house" is just a physical structure, but a "home" is a sanctuary that God built, through you, filled with His presence and love. This means that He fills and encourages people to make Jesus the center of their family life by building their homes on the principles of faith and love to create a spiritual home, starting with Jesus as its foundation. Matthew 7:24-27, “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.”

It has been said that a house built without God is destined to fail to become a real home. Psalm 127:1, states, "Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain." Choosing God as the builder is seen as more important than any other factor in creating a strong and successful home.

But what if the house has already been built and you just move into it? What God means by Building a house of God is by filling it with family, love, and faith in Jesus Christ. The ideal "home" is described as a place where spiritual truths are passed down, love and dignity are shown to all, and broken hearts can be mended through faith in Christ. So many turn to churches to pray for their needs and never put a thought that their home is Jesus’s home too. That they can speak to Jesus in their own home just as they can in a church.

Be welcoming to having Jesus in your home and make Jesus the center of domestic life through prayer and following his teachings. This often serves as a call to action, encouraging people to consciously make a decision to build their homes around their faith, build their families on a foundation of love, and make a spiritual home. Hebrews 3:4: "For every house is built by some man; but he that built all things is God." This verse highlights that God is the ultimate builder, underscoring the importance of His role in not only creating the universe but also in the foundation of a home. Thus, a house is not a home. A house is a house, and it may be lovely to look at and fine to visit, but a house by itself is not a home. What is the difference?

Let me tell you a tale of two houses. These are the best of houses, these are the worst of houses. One is the best, the other is the worst. See if you can tell me which is a home.

One of those houses is big and beautiful. Built with all high end features, and furnished with nothing but the best, most expensive of everything. No one is allowed to touch anything or move anything. Everything has to be perfect and stay perfect. This house never looks lived in. The other house is described as needing a complete renovation that is barely in livable condition. Which one fits the description of your house? No need to answer that because we’re not here to judge anyone.

But home is where the stresses are brought and are dealt with. Home is not a mansion; nor built with museum-like perfection; home is where the issues of life get fought out, but they can be resolved, because home is where somebody loves you. Home is where somebody puts up with you. A house is just a shell, a showplace, a facade; a home is when you go there, they have to take you in. A house is not a home. Some say “It takes a heap o’ livin’ to make a house a home.” God wants us all to make our houses into a home. God wants to give us what we need to make our houses homes. That’s what God did when He chose to come in Jesus Christ and make His home among us. Psalms 23:6, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.” A house is not a home; God wants more for us than just a house. God wants to make our house a home.