For better or worse, our home life shaped much of who we became as adults. And the home remains the epicenter of change throughout our communities and society at large.
We want to make the world a better place, but the world is made up of individuals shaped and molded by their home.
We take the lessons learned and apply them to all our work and future relationships. And in turn we shape the communities in which we belong.
Thriving communities are built on the foundation of good homes. And we can’t give what we’ve never been given.
But it’s also true we can’t change what we’re not willing to take responsibility for, and this responsibility also starts at home.
For example, in establishing church leadership, the Apostle Paul rightly notes that if a man cannot manage his own household he will not be able to care for God’s church.
This doesn’t speak to his intelligence or work ethic, but rather his heart and ability to care for others.
If we don’t care for those in our own home, how can we truly care for those in our larger communities? Our heart of love and care is forged first on the home front.
A tree is identified by the fruit it produces. Communities overrun with contempt and division, distrust and blame are likely filled with homes of the same.
While certainly the community has a role in creating an atmosphere to nurture and support the home, the quality of the home maintains a vital role in shaping the community as well.
And this gives us great hope in making a meaningful impact. We can start with the man in the mirror and in our very homes.
Change the world by starting at home.
Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash
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