<p> </p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p>We spend most of our time in our home so it should be a pleasant and comfortable place to be, right?</p> <p>But it should not become an idol.  Our confidence or value of who we are should not come from our home. </p> <p>There are four things a home should be: safe, comfortable, pleasant, and clean.</p> <p>Now don’t get me wrong, it’s alright to have a nice home, but don’t let it become an idol you worship.  I know you are thinking “I would never make my home an idol.”  I am sure you would never intentionally do that.</p> <p>Let’s talk about how it might be an idol and you don’t even realize it.  It’s okay friend.  This is not judgement.  This is us having real talk about real life and lies we have been taught.</p> <p> </p> <p>How about a four letter word that people may get embarrassed about when talking to others? </p> <p>Rent.</p> <p>Have you ever felt less than because you were renting and not buying your home?</p> <p>You might have even noticed someone’s facial expression change as if they were judging you because you were renting. I am sorry if that happened to you.  I have experienced that in the past and it’s just silly.</p> <p>Our value should not come from whether we own or rent a home.  Just like it should not come from how old or new, how big or small, or anything else about the place we live.</p> <p>Unfortunately, American culture has made the size of our home a status symbol.  </p> <p>I am curious.  </p> <p>Do you think the Israelites ever compared their tents?</p> <p>Do you think pioneers compared their log cabins?</p> <p>Maybe they did, maybe they didn’t.</p> <p>But we are talking about us right now.  </p> <p>Do you get a proud feeling when someone says, “You have a beautiful home,”?</p> <p>Do you get your feelings hurt if someone does not compliment your home?</p> <p>Do you compare your home to everyone else’s that you see?</p> <p>Do you look for things that are wrong with other people’s homes and feel proud because your home is not like that?</p> <p>I know these may be hard questions to answer.  If they are I pray you will ask God to help you to view your home and the homes of others in a different light.</p> <p>As believer’s and followers of Christ we are not supposed to be caught up in our possessions so much that we get our identity and worth from them.</p> <p>Some people love to decorate, and they have a real gift for it.  I applaud you if you are one of those.  Just make sure you’re decorating for your family and yourself, not for social media. </p> <p>We and our family should have a home that is pleasant.  </p> <p>Making your home cozy and inviting if you have the gift of hospitality, does not have to be a problem.</p> <p>Hospitality is a wonderful way to encourage others.  You know I am all about that.</p> <p>Make your home a safe place for your family and others so that they know when they are there, they will not be treated as the world treats people.</p> <p>It&#39;s you and your willingness to invite people in that’s the gift.</p> <p>It’s you that will cause them to want to be there not your home or possessions. </p> <p>Have you ever been to someone’s home and it did not look like anyone lived there?</p> <p>It’s totally alright for you not to have the “perfect” home.  I want you to remember that if you are worried about someone visiting and afraid they will judge your home, then you probably need to check your heart.</p> <p>We are not living by the opinions of other people any longer, are we?</p> <p>Say it with me, “I am not living by the opinions of other people.  I am living a godly life and do everything as unto the Lord.’</p> <p>I hope you are still with me and haven’t thrown the book in the trash or across the room.</p> <p><br></p> <p>Be sure and listen to the full podcast to hear the rest of the story.</p> <p>You can follow me here on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/confidentchristianwomen/">MICHELE BOWMAN (@confidentchristianwomen) • Instagram photos and videos</a> Here is where you can get a copy of the book <a href="https://a.co/d/442vJbZ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">https://a.co/d/442vJbZ </a> </p>