HONOR GOD IN YOUR HOME

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 19

“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Jos 24:15 NKJV

Joe was a carpenter who worked for a building contractor. One day, the contractor said to him, “Joe, I’m putting you in charge of the next house we build. I want you to order the materials and oversee the job.” Joe accepted the assignment with great enthusiasm. He studied the blueprints and checked every measurement and specification. Then he had a thought: “If I’m really in charge, why couldn’t I cut a few corners, use less expensive materials, and put the extra money in my pocket? Who will know? Once the house is painted, it will look great.” So Joe ordered second-grade lumber and inexpensive con- crete, put in cheap wiring, and cut every corner he could. When the home was finished, the contractor came to see it. “What a fine job you have done!” he said. “You have been faithful to me all these years, and I have decided to show you my gratitude by giving you this house that you just built as a gift.” Night after night, as Joe lay in bed listening to the roof leaking and the floor creaking, the message came through loud and clear: The house you built is the house you will live in! Are you short-changing your spouse and your family in love, time, example, and instruction? Count on it: There will come a time when you will regret what you have done and have left undone. And depending on time and opportunity, you may or may not have a chance to undo it. So make this your prayer: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”