Those of you who know me know I’m not artistic. Creative, yes. You want me to whip up content for a presentation or podcast? I got you. Create a devotional or write an article or book? No problem. But artistic? Nope. Not by a long shot! I can’t draw, paint, or craft. (And please don’t ask me to decorate for a party.)
As a wife and mom, I’ve often felt guilty for not making our home a more beautiful place. Don’t get me wrong- we have some decor going on. But when I compare my home to others who are gifted with making a home aesthetically pleasing, I feel as though I have failed my family.
I was praying about this very issue a few Wednesdays ago during our church’s weekly prayer meeting. As I prayed for both the desire and perseverance to make my home lovely, I also randomly wondered what Jesus would think about the state of my home. Would I feel embarrassed if he were to walk through the front door? Almost immediately, I felt the Holy Spirit guide me to Scripture. Specifically, 1 Peter 3:3-4.
In these verses we learn the true beauty of a woman does not come from her braided hair, clothing, or jewelry, but from a gentle and quiet spirit. I have to say, it was kind of a lightbulb moment. I had never really considered how this also applies to a home environment- that the beauty a woman contributes to her home isn’t about her decorating style, but about the beauty she brings through warmth, gracious words, a hospitable spirit, and a servant heart.
I then remembered how Jesus scolded the Pharisees for washing the outside of the cup while being inwardly full of greed; and how he compared them to beautiful white washed tombs which inside were full of dead people’s bones (Matthew 23:25-27). I was also reminded of the Scripture that says it’s better to have a simple dinner with love than a fattened ox and hatred with it (Proverbs 15:17).
All of these verses compiled in my mind in a moment’s time, and it became clear the Lord was telling me not to overlook the most important way to usher in beauty. It was freeing to think that making my home beautiful had nothing to do with wall hangings, plants, or stellar baseboards.
Now don’t get me wrong- there’s certainly nothing wrong with nice clothing, jewelry, or braided hair. And there’s nothing wrong with lovely home decor! In fact, I fully believe we should do what we can to make our homes visually pleasing. But what a relief to know that the beauty that pleases the Lord is the bearing of the fruits of the Spirit and a heart that longs to do His will. In this way, I will strive to make my home a thing of beauty.
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