Castle or Hastle?

By Robert Guinn

    While discussing the responsibilities that come with home-ownership, my neighbor made the following statement, "Your castle is your hassle."
    Being first-time home-owners, my wife and I are experiencing a slight learning curve when it comes to the maintenance and upkeep of our property. Though we try to keep a positive view of our home, things (like the AC going out) tempt that positive attitude.
    Attitude can change everything. A castle is a cherished monument and fortress; something that brings a sense of pride, accomplishment, and awe. A hassle, however, is something viewed as an obligation, bother, or something you have to "put up with." So, we can look at our house and see a lovely home or a never-ending source of chores and work. Our attitude not only affects how we feel toward our house but also our families.
    What happens when we view our spouses as a hassle, obstacle, or obligation? Will we cultivate an intimate relationship or be driven apart? When we view our spouse as a cherished blessing from God, it becomes easier to grow closer to God and each other. God revealed a plan for husbands and wives to live together with different roles and functions;  being united with a mutual love, respect, understanding, and submission (1 Corinthians 7;  Ephesians 5:22-23;  Titus 2;  1 Peter 3). This becomes very difficult when our attitudes devalue our spouse.
    What about our children? Do we look at them only as a "mouth to feed," or a hindrance to what we want? When we do, we prevent ourselves from fulfilling our roles as godly parents. Knowing that our children are a gift from God, we can see them as a blessing (Psalm 127:4-5;  James 1:17). Our attitude impacts our effectiveness to fulfill our responsibility to encourage, educate, train, and grow our young ones in a godly direction (Proverbs 22:6; Titus 2; Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21). Remember, there is no greater joy than to hear that our children are walking in the truth (3 John 1:4).
    How do we view our families? Are they a breathtaking castle built to the glory of God? Or, do we think of them as a mere hassle that gets in the way?
    May God bless our families and our attitudes toward each other. May we bring glory to Him through the family of God (Ephesians 3:20-21; 1 Timothy 3:15).
 
- Robert Guinn preaches for the Central Church of Christ in Paducah KY.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.centralchurchofchrist.org