Crowning Your Home With God’s Holiness

Inspired by Pope Francis visit to the United States, I begin to reflect about his “crown of holiness,” and how he expressed love, goodness, beauty and truth. He reminded us not to be caught up with self, position, money and things. We are to reach within our hearts to show the simplicity of a loving smile, warmth and compassion to others. During his visit, Pope Francis consistently challenged us by asking, “what are you going to do?”

Even though you are not the Pope, your Christian responsibility is to also wear a crown of holiness. How do you wear your crown of holiness in your daily walk? How is your crown of holiness reflected in your home? To better understand how to answer the above questions, you must understand what is a crown and holiness.

Crown I have always been fascinated with the majestic beauty and symbolism of crowns. Each time I saw Pope Francis on television, I was looking to see if we was wearing a crown. Because of his humbleness, Pope Francis likes to reduce the formality of his papal attire or vestments.

Even though I did not see him wearing one of the most beautiful papal crowns called the triregnum, a headgear with three crowns, also called the triple tiara which is central to the regalia of the papacy, you could see and feel his majesty.

When you truly wear a crown of holiness, it does not have to be visible on your head. It can be an invisible symbol, with others sensing your strong sense of presence, holiness, love and stature. My love for crowns has also inspired learning about their biblical significance. There are at least seven distinct words (five in Old Testament, two in the New Testament) which are translated as crown or crowns in our English bibles. Some crowns pertain or exist only in this life; others will be possessed for all eternity. Crowns can also represent gifts or rewards received, or even rejoicing.

In the bible, King David rejoiced over the crown of pure gold God gave him (Psalm 21:1-3). God commanded a golden crown to be made special for the High Priest (Exodus 39:30). Peter also reminds us that Christians will receive a crown of eternal life (James 1:12, Revelation 2:10).

Pope Francis visit to the United States gave us a visible picture of how to wear a crown of holiness while we walk here on earth. How do you wear your crown of holiness in your home, church, community and neighborhood? Is your crown visible to others?

In Leviticus 19:2 God instructed His people, “Ye shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.” I encourage you to view holiness as the Holy Spirit’s desire to bring each of us into complete wholeness, addressing our physical, emotional, social, spiritual and financial wellness.

Holiness is something you can achieve now with God’s help and discipline. Remember, God will never be without love for you. He will always be just. God has the ability to remake you so that you can reflect his integrity in your personality and actions. You can achieve this beautiful state of beauty, goodness, truth and strength.

Dusting Off Your Crown

I recently facilitated a women’s fellowship meeting where we discussed the book, “Dusty Crowns” by Heathery Lindsey. She reminds us that sometimes we must dust ourselves off from the inside out. Are you protecting your heart, mind and life from the distractions of life? You must ask God to give you a clean heart. Life challenges, disappointments, losses and the various seasons of life can create a “dusty or crooked crown.” Take the time to clean off or straighten your crown.

When you enter a room what does your crown of holiness say? It should reflect light, goodness, beauty and truth.” Remember God’s word says, you are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). You and others should be able to see your beauty!

Crowning Your Home With God’s Holiness If you are wearing a crown of holiness, you should be able to see love, beauty, compassion, order, goodness and truth in your home.

I love decorating my house with crowns. You can buy beautiful, inexpensive crowns that can make a faith statement in your home. Having a crown displayed in your home is a refreshing reminder to wear your crown of holiness in your daily walk, including your home.

I encourage every woman to develop a mission statement for her home. My vision embraces the spirit that: “everyone who leaves my home will wear a crown of holiness, because they have experienced God’s beauty, goodness and truth.”

While visiting the United States, Pope Francis showed you the beauty of wearing a crown of holiness. I hope you; too have been inspired by his incredible walk. May you gain a greater commitment to wearing your crown of holiness.

But more importantly, look forward to receiving your eternal crown, when you meet God face to face. This is so beautifully expressed by the Thomas Whitfield Company when the choir sings, “I Shall Wear A Crown.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4LNUnwhTDs "I shall wear a crown When it’s all over I shall see His face When it’s all over I’m going to put on my robe, Tell the story how I made it over Soon as I get home."