Building a Christian Home: 4 Simple Ways to Cultivate a Christ-Centered Family

2. Find Worth in the Nooks and Grannies 

Another example my parents provided for me was to make others feel worthy. Often, I’d find myself restless in a widow’s house while my mom tenderly unpacked homemade goodies from orange Tupperware. My favorite was Grandma Myrtle from our church; she was always eager to play cards and do puzzles with me. I guess she recognized worth in the bored 9-year-old on her floral couch. 

The truth is, I didn’t understand at the time how holy this lesson was. My parents weren’t just preaching that everyone was worthy of love and attention; they showed me. This is one of my favorite habits to cultivate because it speaks volumes to our kiddos about their own self-worth. And it can be much easier than you may think! We can start by looking at the people physically near us.

Do you have an elderly neighbor, or a single mama nearby? Once a week, double your dinner recipe and have your children take over a meal, or invite them to one of your kiddo’s sports games/plays/recitals. Once a month, set up chairs on your lawn and have the kiddos invite them out for some lemonade. 

When my parents took the time to make someone feel valued and included me in the process, a thoughtful frame pieced together: Everyone is worthy. That meant that I was worthy.

3. See Who’s On the Bottom Floor

On Sundays, my dad would order an extra bag of hamburgers at Burger King for the homeless man who sat on the corner. I remember feeling unsure of the filthy, life-worn hands grabbing at the food. But my dad didn’t shy away from the people God placed in his path. He spoke to that man as an equal, and offered prayers and help. I realize now that if it weren’t for my dad, I don’t think I would’ve noticed that man. And if I did, I probably would’ve been afraid. So, I want to teach my kids to keep their eyes open for people on the floor of life, those that need encouragement, prayer, and love.

A straightforward way to do this is simply calling it out. If I see a homeless person or someone who looks troubled or lonely, I’ll ask my kids, “Do you see that man?”

This simple act draws their attention away from themselves and onto others. We talk about how God sees them and how that person was once someone’s baby, wondering what hardships brought them to this place. We pray for them. If we feel led, we’ll grab food at a drive-through or hand them a pre-made bag with necessities and snacks in it that we keep in the car. And one thing we always do is ask them their name. In time, we no longer were saying, “Do you see that homeless lady?” but rather “Do you see Rebecca?”

When my parents taught me the value of seeing people who tend to get overlooked, strong walls were raised in my life. God sees and loves everyone. God sees and loves me.

4. Craft the Heart 

There are hundreds of ways to build holy habits when you’re a family on a mission, and each family has something unique to offer! The heart of it is choosing to make it an intentional part of our children’s daily lives, because life is a breath. Houses of wood and stone crumble. The branches of epic climbing trees eventually rot away. And as they do, let’s keep choosing to be families that build something that will last. 

Someday, God will equip our children to build a spiritual house with a unique rhythm and calling. But it won’t be a new house. Instead, they will expand on the construction we’ve started. Just as I prayerfully add on to what my parents crafted for me.

One day, we’ll dwell in the house of the Lord together, forever. The grass will never turn a dusty brown, and the paint will never peel. I imagine we would have tears of joy, if tears were allowed, but they’re not (so, don’t cry, Mom!). 

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock” (Matthew 7:24-25).

What are some ways you’ve integrated prayer in your family rhythm? What are some things you have done with your family to reach out to ‘the least of these’? Tell us about an older woman who invested in you.