2004, Canon Press, 163 pp. incl. scripture index, pbk.

What is the relationship between your home and Christianity? In this well-written, practical book the author takes the readers into the various rooms that are generally found in homes and relates the activities that go on therein to the Christian faith. He does not leave any room unexplored, not even the closets or the bathroom. He points out that every room provides ample opportunity to lay down our lives for others in terms of sacrificial love.

This approach allows him the opportunity to pen excellent practical material on life as it is lived out in the home with one another and visitors. For example, as we are taken to the kitchen he writes on the importance appreciation for the work that takes place in the preparation and eye-pleasing presentation of food. He also speaks to husbands regarding their responsibility to make sure enough money is budgeted for food purchases so that wives can properly plan meals. Men are also reminded that after meal clean-up is not the sole task of the ladies in the house.

My favorite chapter was the one on bathrooms. This room reminds us of our need for cleansing. In fact within the small space there are several sites for cleansing – whether external or internal. Cleansing is so important that, for convenience, there is more than one bathroom in a house. Cleanliness is also emphasized with the various tools to aid cleansing in addition to the receptacles themselves. Soap, toothbrushes, floss and mouthwash each are agents that aid us for our own bodily good and show our love for others in our contact with them. This is a great room for us to be reminded of our need of a greater cleansing. That need is met as we are drawn through the gifts of repentance and faith to Christ’s finished work on our behalf.

As the author takes us through the house he gives good counsel regarding unwanted guests such as anxiety, lust, and bitterness. There are several pages devoted to various aspects of child rearing.

Wilson builds the book on the foundation laid in scripture. In choosing this topic he reminds us there is neither neutral ground nor even rooms in our homes where we do not have to live out the Gospel. This means a lot of self-sacrifice but also a lot of resulting joy for us and others, by the grace of God.

This is a good book for Christians to read and one that can be discussed within one’s family as well as among families.

©2011 Byron Snapp, Hampton,Virginia