Written by Kimberly Tan
Growing up in a Christian home has taught me many valuable lessons that continue to shape my life today. One way I like to remember these lessons is through four key points through the acronym HOME which stands for:
H – Holding Up Christian Values
O – Observing Consistency in Faith
M – Maintaining Right Priorities
E – Exemplifying the Good Example
The first lesson I learnt is the importance of holding up Christian values in all areas of life. Growing up in a home where faith was central, I understood that being a Christian isn’t just about attending church or reading the Bible occasionally or when we feel like doing so. It is about the consistency of believing in the scriptures and abiding by what’s written therein. Galatians 5:22-23 gives us a reminder about living according to God’s principles daily and showing that these are values of our faith in action. Learning to hold on to these values, even when it is challenging or when others around me may not, has been one of the most important lessons from my upbringing.
Secondly, it taught me to observe consistency in how my parents lived. Since young, attending church on Sundays and mid-week Bible classes was not optional or showing up when it was convenient.
As Hebrews 10:25 states, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another.” Even when I had exams the next day on Thursday, I would still go to Bible class on a Wednesday night. I like to use the illustration that my parents once told me many years ago that if I could plan a hangout with my friends during exam seasons, I shouldn’t be giving excuses for not showing up for worship on the Lord’s Day or attending the scheduled mid-week Bible classes because other things can be done in the five other days in the week. And this has taught me discipline in all areas of life.
Another lesson that growing up in a Christian home taught me is the importance of maintaining the right priorities, even when no one else is physically watching. Faith is not about performing for others to notice you or to intentionally outperform others, but it is living consistently for God. Even when my parents were not around to remind me or accompany me, I learnt that God is always present, and He sees and knows our every action for which we will be held accountable eventually on judgement day. This principle has guided me to stay committed to worship, being diligent in studying the Bible, and living according to the scriptures, even when it would seem easier to skip or take shortcuts. Understanding that my faith is ultimately between God and me helped me develop a sense of personal responsibility and intentionality in prioritising what truly matters.
The exhortation is clear. We are to approach every responsibility with purpose and sincerity. “Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men” (Colossians 3:23). This mindset reminds us that our actions should not be performed for recognition, but as service to the Lord. Likewise, Ecclesiastes 9:10 urges us, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might,” calling us to give our best in every task entrusted to us.
Finally, growing up in a Christian home taught me the importance of exemplifying the good example. Observing how faith was lived out daily by other Christians in church as I grow has shown me that Christianity is also expressed through conduct and actions, not just words. It also meant not just being an example only when we’re in the assembly of children in the faith but throughout our everyday life. As Joshua declared, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). This obedience is lived out daily when we let our light shine before all men (Matthew 5:16). By following these examples consistently with intention, we put our faith in action. Exemplifying the good example should also remind us that our actions can encourage and inspire others, creating a positive ripple effect in our community, just as how it has been shown forth towards me.
Looking back, growing up in a Christian home has given me a strong foundation for life. My four key points I have learnt can be summed up in HOME – holding up Christian values, observing consistency in faith, maintaining right priorities, and exemplifying the good example continue to guide me today. They remind me that faith is not just a part of life, but a way of life, and that living intentionally according to God’s Word is what God wants of us and that it prepares me to face challenges, serve others, and grow in Christ.