When people see how I manage my home, they often have questions about the way we organize, stock, and live in our space. Everyone’s home operates a little differently, but for our family, these five core biblical principles guide how we steward our house, our possessions, and our relationships.
1. Don’t Hoard or Overstock Pantry
When I share glimpses of my pantry on social media, one of the most common questions I get is: “What do you do during shortages or emergencies if you don’t overstock?”
My answer was the same during COVID-19 supply shortages as it is today: I believe God is my ultimate supplier.
While storing wisdom like Joseph did in Genesis during times of abundance is prudent, there is a fine line between wise preparation and fear-based hoarding. I choose to lean directly into God’s daily provision, just as the Israelites had to rely on daily manna in Exodus.
We keep what we need, but we don’t hoard out of fear.
2. Hold Possessions Lightly
I work hard to keep our home free of clutter because my security and safety do not lie in my “stuff.”
It’s easy for material things to quietly take over our hearts. If there is an item in your home that you feel you couldn’t live without—or that you would feel completely lost without—it may have subtly become an idol.
Matthew 6 tells us we “cannot serve both God and money” or in this case our stuff.
3. View Housework as Faithful Stewardship
I keep our home, our clothes, and our vehicles clean and tidy—not out of perfection, but as a promise to God.
Everything we own belongs to Him; we are simply temporary caretakers. Eventually, God may use those exact items to bless someone else down the road. In the meantime, my responsibility is to honor Him by taking care of what He has entrusted to me right now.
4. Protect the Peace: No Yelling or Cursing
In our home, we make an intentional choice not to yell or use hurtful language.
Having grown up around a lot of yelling, I know firsthand what it does to a child’s nervous system. Living in constant “fight-or-flight” mode. We want our home to produce the fruit of the Spirit, and that starts with the tone of voice we use with one another.
5. Keep an Open Home for Others
If it were entirely up to my personal preference, I’d probably live in a much smaller house! But we built our home with a specific purpose: to fill it with people.
Our doors are open anytime to anyone. Over the years, we’ve welcomed people to stay with us for extended periods, and we regularly host friends and family. I view our home as a place that is calm and where people can rest, reflect, and enjoy true fellowship. Keeping the house tidy and prepared means we are always ready to extend hospitality at a moment’s notice.
