With the possible exception of certain customers at certain large retailers, most people tend to put the best foot, and face, forward when they go out in public. This is to say that, in general, what goes on inside the walls of a home is normally different than what is presented to the public.
I really do not know what goes on inside the walls of a non-Christian home. As a minister, I am aware of the fact that when I am invited over for a visit in a non-Christian home, there has probably been a great deal of "sanitizing" that has taken place ahead of my arrival.
But I am quite acquainted with what goes on in a Christian home. I grew up in one and am raising my children in one. And so, for those who are perhaps unfamiliar with the secretive goings-on in the cloistered world of a Christian home, allow me to peel back the veil for you with some personal, true experiences in our Christian home.
A Christian home is where, at random times, a daughter will "wax biblical" in describing what is going on in her life, such as when I ask mine if they want to go swimming in the river and one replies, "Sorry, dad, the custom of women is upon me."
A Christian home is where a wife will, years after her children are no longer toddlers, suddenly wake up humming a tune from VeggieTales such as "Everybody's got a water buffalo."
A Christian home is where, when people are angry, they never say, "I am going to kill you." Instead they say, "You are about to meet the Lord, face to face."
A Christian home is where a daughter who wants to get under her father's skin will mischievously quote verses from the Song of Solomon, then say, "But it's in the Bible, Dad!"
A Christian home is where, when we are gathered around the table to say grace, a voice may join into that prayer saying something like "And please forgive (insert the name of whatever sibling has been annoying) for being a brat today."
A Christian home is where, when a parent makes the slightest mistake while driving, all of the voices in the back seat will say in their best impersonation of Christian comedian Tim Hawkins, "Dooo yooouuu want me to drivvvveeee?"
But above all, a Christian home is one in which Deuteronomy 6:5-7 becomes a living reality.
That passage says, "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart and with all thy soul and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house and when thou walkest by the way and when thou liest down and when thou risest up."
This passage describes something much more than fashion, form and ritual. It is a lifestyle, one in which God becomes the constant center of it all.
A Christian home that operates on that basis has much more than just the typical humor and inside jokes of Christians. Yes, we laugh together. But we also love fiercely, pray for each other to the point of tears and never miss a chance to encourage each other.
I have seen my children go on fasts for each other. I have stumbled upon my wife agonizing in prayer for their future. I have seen each family member quietly sacrifice for the others, not seeking a bit of glory in return.
I cannot think of a happier place than inside the walls of a Christian home. Even when I hear my son practicing his "Christian pickup lines," such as "Hey, I was just reading through the book of Numbers and realized that I don't have yours "
Bo Wagner is pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church of Mooresboro, N.C., a widely traveled evangelist and the author of several books. Email him at 2knowhim@cbc-web.org.