Observations/Ruminations: Building Your House – Proverbs 24
Status: Transcribed and Reviewed
Date: April 2005
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin

The scripture says, "Unless the Lord builds the house, its builder labors in vain; unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain." I pray that God will 1) build my house and 2) stand guard over my house.

I don't think we pay enough attention to the concept of establishing our house. As a matter of duty rather than pride, it seems that I must establish the house of McGlaughlin in such a way as to bring honor to God. My house should further the cause of the Kingdom. It should impact the way I prioritize my time. Something in this concept is difficult to articulate, but I think most men build themselves up first. Their priority is on their work, their career . . . their empire. Family can be (only) another, sometimes very important, responsibility.

As I understand the words of this scripture, it seems to me that my family is essential to who I am. It is not "me.," it is "we."

The scripture says, "Sons are a heritage from the Lord"; children are a reward from Him. "Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth." Somehow I feel the responsibility to help shape and craft these arrows, that they may effectively penetrate the target for which God created them.

I would rather establish the family that God has given me than build a major enterprise. In the final analysis, I suspect that a properly built "house," by which I mean family, will achieve more.

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

I pray that God will give me wisdom, understanding, and knowledge.

I pray that God will help me understand how to establish my house for the sake of His Kingdom.