By Not Known
Home dedications seem to have become less frequent over the years. Hopefully whether we live in old or new premises, we shall never forget that everything we possess – including our homes – has been given by our gracious Lord, and therefore we should not fail to acknowledge and thank Him.
Deut 8:11-14, 17-18 Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God by failing to observe his laws and decrees… Otherwise when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large, your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You may say to yourself, “MY power and the strength of My hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth… ” Every breath, every heartbeat is a gift from Almighty God, not to mention your intellectual, physical and emotional faculties.
Moving into a nice new home is exciting; there is so much to treasure, and to be enjoyed. Nothing wrong with this of course as long as we remember that
1. God gave it to us to enjoy.
2. That we should use it for God’s Glory not ours.
3. We are to share our possessions with others, believers or otherwise.
A home dedication is an expression of thanksgiving and dedication, both of the place as well as the people who live there. It can be as simple an act as the family praying together when they move in, or holding a gathering with family and friends/small group members for a short service. This mini service could comprise singing of hymns/songs, reading of Bible passages and even a brief message, but most certainly a prayer of thanksgiving and dedication. Some families also share a meal.
Another way is for prayers to be said as the participants walk through the home. For example, a prayer can be said for the teen in his bedroom or for mum who is mostly in the kitchen, or dad in his study etc; that the living area be a place of meaningful interaction, that conversations be gracious and mutually encouraging. It should be a place of refuge, but also spiritual development and godly nurture.
Praying for the family to be a good witness to their neighbours is also vital, that each will be a faithful disciple and together they will glorify the Lord. It is the people who make the home. May our homes be such that when anyone comes in, they will undeniably sense the love of Christ.
Graham Ng