"Private Residence"

Last year it was very interesting to hear and see how public & busy living in the White House can be & is over Christmas. Better yet was hearing how each first family makes & takes time to be with their family privately after the public show.

I didn't realize that they had private residences. I know I should have but I didn't and that goes to show how we erroneously think that because you are "called to serve" others you do not have a "right" to any privacy or private moments.

I continue to say that we all need to make and take time for ourselves and our family.* When you read all the scriptures that talk about the expected qualities of a bishop/ pastor one clear & common thread is "family." I believe that God expects all those in ministry to live a "family first" life. Let's look at 2 verses which clearly state that:
1 Timothy 3: 2 says: "A congregation leader must be above reproach, he must be faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, orderly, hospitable and able to teach."**

Titus 1: 6 is very clear: "A leader must be blameless, husband to one wife, with believing children who do not have a reputation for being wild or rebellious."**

It's one thing to have a close and connected family before coming into ministry and another to maintain and even strengthen the bond when in ministry. Like I've said before, this is one area where we need to actively take charge using the "Private Residence" concept. Yes, we are called to be hospitable - and we must be - it's a blessing to be a blessing. While our home is to be "open" to others it must remain our home, not a perpetual "open house" and definitely not a hotel - NEVER! No member of the family should ever feel like a "guest" in their own home because of the uncontrollable traffic of people we minister to.

Family life definitely one place where we may need to be more assertive. The way I see it, if you truly support your husband in ministry you must ensure that your family is intact and each member is an active participant. It's not a "I'll do something with the children, while my husband continues in ministry" - it's "We'll do things as a family as an example to the other families in our ministry." When I saw this picture, I couldn't resist sharing it.
Taking it one step further, when life falls apart, ministry cannot remain intact...

My prayer is that none of our lives fall apart. To avoid that, ensure you have a "private residence" - deliberately make and take time for family times despite the busyness of ministry...you'll notice a difference in your quality of ministry.


References:
*http://mrs-pastor-and-pastor-mrs.blogspot.ca/2011/11/busy-bee.html
**Complete Jewish Bible