A young wife called her pastor. “My husband won’t let me leave for church until I cook. Talk to him.” She expected support. Instead, the pastor said, “Stay back. Cook for your husband, then come.” That reply taught her: God values order over activity.
Friend, are you skipping home duties for church duties (Titus 2:4-5)? Your first ministry is your home, not the stage. God weighs your faithfulness in private before He uses you in public. Neglecting family to “serve God” is not spirituality (Proverbs 31:27).
Ministry is not an excuse for neglect. David met God while tending sheep, not after abandoning them (1 Samuel 17:20). Honouring your spouse is honouring God. You don’t prove devotion by being irresponsible at home (Luke 10:40-42).
Your witness begins at home. Using church to dishonour your spouse breeds resentment (Ephesians 5:22). Respect preaches louder than a sermon. God won’t bless public worship if private duties are in disorder. Order matters to heaven (Matthew 5:23-24).
Don’t let busyness become disobedience. Jesus did not applaud Martha for serving while anxious and distracted (Luke 10:41-42). He honoured Mary’s posture, but He never told Martha to abandon hospitality. You can be at every service and still miss God if your home is bleeding (Proverbs 14:1).
Balance is wisdom, not compromise (1 Corinthians 14:40). That wife cooked, then came to church after — but with peace. She learned that God is in her submission and service at home, too. Stop asking “Church or family?” Ask “Am I in order?” When home is settled, worship is accepted (Colossians 3:23).
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria