What steps can we take to ensure our homes honor God like Josiah's reforms? Setting the Scene: Josiah’s Reform in One Verse “Furthermore, Josiah removed the mediums and spiritists, the household idols, images, and all the detestable things that had appeared in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem. He did this so that he could carry out the words of the law that were written in the book that Hilkiah the priest had found in the house of the LORD.” (2 Kings 23:24) Remember the Source of Reform – God’s Word sparked Josiah’s change (2 Kings 22:11–13). – Scripture, “God-breathed and useful for teaching” (2 Timothy 3:16), has the same authority in our homes today. Remove Compromise Josiah “removed” anything that competed with the Lord. Our homes can follow suit: • Identify and eliminate media, décor, books, music, or hobbies that glorify sin (Psalm 101:3). • End occult curiosities—horoscopes, crystals, spiritism (Acts 19:18-20). • Break habits that dull spiritual sensitivity: coarse humor, gossip, addictive entertainment (Ephesians 5:11-12). Restore Scripture to the Center • Read the Word aloud together (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). • Place open Bibles where conversations happen; let verses guide decisions (Colossians 3:16). • Memorize passages as a family—start with Joshua 24:15 or Philippians 4:8. Rebuild Patterns of Worship • Schedule gathered worship first, not last (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Turn routine moments into praise—mealtimes, drives, chores (Psalm 34:1). • Play Christ-honoring music that lifts hearts Godward (Ephesians 5:19). Reinforce Accountability • Invite trusted believers to speak frankly into family life (Proverbs 27:17). • Share weekly victories and struggles; pray for one another’s holiness (James 5:16). • Post clear household standards where everyone sees them—language, screen limits, giving, hospitality (Psalm 119:11). Raise the Next Generation • Tell the next generation “the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD” (Psalm 78:4). • Train children to discern culture through Scripture, not feelings (1 John 4:1). • Celebrate obedience; correct with truth and grace (Ephesians 6:4). Rely on God’s Grace • Offer your household daily to Him: “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1). • Remember reform is ongoing; when you fall, confess and press on (1 John 1:9; Philippians 3:13-14). • Trust that the God who “works in you to will and to act” (Philippians 2:13) will finish what He starts. Josiah’s bold house-cleaning wasn’t extreme; it was obedience. As we follow these steps—removing compromise, restoring Scripture, rebuilding worship, reinforcing accountability, raising the next generation, and relying on grace—our homes, like his kingdom, will honor the Lord in both word and deed. |
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