Craig T. Owens

I read this verse the other day in my devotions, and it’s really been doing a number on my heart.

…I will lead a life of integrity in my own home. (Psalm 101:2, NLT)

I would hate it if I was considered a hero at work, but considered a zero in my own home.

Here’s what I’m processing:

• Do I earn the same level of respect at home as I do at the office?
• Do I put in the same diligence into growing my home life as I do growing my career?
• Am I as forgiving with my family as with friends and coworkers?
• Do I have the same level of preparation at home as I do at work?
• Am I learning the craft of being a husband and father like I’m learning the craft of being a pastor?
• Do I honor my commitments at home like I do with others?

I don’t want to live as John Bunyan described Talkative in Pilgrim’s Progress: “He was a saint abroad and a devil at home.”

Instead one of my life verses is this: I have no greater joy than knowing my children all walk in the truth (3 John 4).

The only way this will be possible is if I led a life of integrity in my own home.