Hezekiah was not compelled to show his visitors all that was in his house, but he volunteered to do so (2 Kings 20; Isaiah 39:1-8). The prophet later asked, “What have they seen in thy house?” Hezekiah was foolish to show his treasures for it later led to the Babylonians returning to take them away.
Still it is a good question. What is there to be seen in our homes? If there is evil in our homes, we cannot always conceal it from our guests. If there is good, it likewise cannot be hidden. The all-seeing eye of heaven is aware of everything that happens in our homes (Hebrews 4:13).
Friend, let us ask ourselves, “What have they seen in our houses?”
- Love or hatred, concern or indifference, gratitude or ingratitude, unselfishness or selfishness in the home relationships? Does each member think others exist only to meet his every whim and fancy (cf. Philippians 2:1-5)?
- What type of reading material is allowed in our home? Is it material built on worldly things or erected upon the excellencies of the Bible? Are there true confessions in the home or the confessions of truth as found in the Bible and sound reading material (Philippians 4:8)?
- What about the television programs we watch? Certain movies are R-rated. Instead of such fare, families need to restrict those shows designed to appeal to our lower and baser elements. Many shows not rated so extreme are also unfit for consumption – especially young, impressionable minds (Psalm 11:3; Ephesians 4:22-24).
- Would they witness the long face of pouting, the quick flare of a temper tantrum, or uncontrollable bursts of anger when something fails to please you (Colossians 3:8) ?
- What type of spiritual atmosphere have they seen in our homes? Can they leave and say we are a spiritually-minded and Bible-centered family? Paul wrote, “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Romans 8:6).
- Would they have observed us giving thanks for every meal (1 Timothy 4:3-4)? Would it be so common and frequent a habit that our children would automatically wait for an expression of thanks before they passed the first dish of food to the guests?
- How long would a guest have to remain in our home before he saw the family head read the Bible and heard him pray with the family gathered around him (Matthew 5:6)?
- What do guests see the family do if it is Sunday morning, Sunday evening or Wednesday night? Do they witness every member making preparation to attend the services of the church? Are they invited to attend? If they refuse, do the guests see the family set aside their plans to go and remain home to entertain the current visitors (Hebrews 10:25)? Or do they hear the family say, “If you will not go with us, just make yourselves comfortable. We will be back as soon as worship is concluded” (Matthew 6:33)?
- Ancient Hebrews believed if they failed to teach their children a trade, they taught them to steal. Have they seen children who are required to earn their allowance and perform their part of the household and yard duties (Proverbs 22:6)?
- Have they seen the home as a workshop for winning the lost to Christ (Mark 16:15-16)?
