Understand The Difference
Proverbs 24:3-4 AMP
Through [skillful and godly] wisdom a house [a life, a home, a family] is built, And by understanding it is established [on a sound and good foundation], And by knowledge its rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.
There is a medium through which we can transition our house (building) to a home (the model home). And according to this scripture, skillful and godly wisdom is the medium as clearly stated. We’ll like you to have a practical image in your mind how this is done.
Transitioning a house to a home requires a building process, block by block; it requires time; it requires skill and it also requires godliness. Therefore, if you begin building, block by block; investing time and skill, yet eliminating godliness, you will be missing the most important aspect of the process.
Amongst many definitions, the Merriam-Webster dictionary, defines house as a building that serves as living quarters for one or a few families. So, if we have to go by this definition, you will agree with me that a building that serves as living quarters for you is not necessarily a home. For example, those who are familiar with time shares, may understand this concept even more. Time share owners will occasionally go on vacation within the year and live in buildings that are well equipped with all that a functioning home has. The kitchen, bathroom, living room, bedrooms are fully equipped and all you need to do in most cases is just bring some food with you to cook because even pots are available in such vacation settings. If you or anyone around you owns a timeshare, you all will agree with me that such environments are very comfortable; it gives you a sense of being in the comfort of your home, yet not the responsibilities that come with maintaining a home because janitors and the service desks are just a phone call away.
The Merriam-Webster dictionary also defines home as one’s place of residence; a place of origin; a habitat. Your place of residence, your place origin and your habitat all denote a place where most of your time is spent, a place of potential influence in your life, a place that requires investment in order for you to enjoy comfort. How many of you agree with me that in order to dwell in a place for a long time, you need to do what it takes in order get the comfort you need? So that is what a home is, different from a house.
Proverbs 24:3a (AMP) says this “Through [skillful and godly] wisdom a house [a life, a home, a family] is built”. House in this scripture refers to many things – a life, a home, a family. Our emphasis is the home, however, the principles we will be looking at and establishing are also applicable to a life and a family. Earlier we looked at the fact that in order to transition from a house to a home it requires a building process, block by block; it requires time; it requires skill and it also requires godliness. This is also true for a life and a family that desires to not exist, however, be purposeful and become a model for others to emulate.
There is a way you can live your life, care for your family and manage your home that can create an impact in the lives of many. Here’s the point, choose not to live carelessly. Focus on the important aspects of life and bring the most out of it. Your home is indeed an important aspect of your life here on earth. Give it the attention it deserves. Amen.
So, our definition of a home is quite vast, but centered around these truths
-A place where the kingdom is advanced (meaning, the king is the final authority, the values of the kingdom are implemented uncompromisingly (in the presence or absence of guests);
-A place of unlimited supply of the basics of life.
-A training ground for people (be it the word, skills of life, etc).
-A preparation ground for immediate and future pursuits (be it career, education, home life).
-A place where continuous growth is emphasized, character is shaped, the value of life principles are emphasized for the purpose of structuring a life for excellence.
These definitions cater to the spiritual, physical, social and psychological needs of mankind.