21 Rules of the Harris House

I always enjoy hearing how others run their household. A while back I posted the Duggars House Rules. And today I want to post Gregg Harris' House Rules.

Who's Gregg Harris? He is the the father of seven children, among whom are, Joshua Harris, author of I Kissed Dating Goodbye, Joel Harris, Director of the Northwest Academy of Worship Music, Alex & Brett Harris, founders & co-hosts of TheRebelution.com web site, and three others still in their younger years. He is an evangelist and local church-planting pastor. Gregg is internationally known as a pioneer advocate in the Christian home-schooling movement and author a best selling book, The Christian Home School.

So here are their very wise house rules!

The 21 Rules Of This House
by Gregg Harris

1. We obey God.
2. We love, honor and pray for one another.
3. We tell the truth.
4. We consider one another's interests ahead of our own.
5. We speak quietly and respectfully with one another.
6. We do not hurt one another with unkind words or deeds.
7. When someone needs correction, we correct him in love.
8. When someone is sorry, we forgive him.
9. When someone is sad, we comfort him.
10. When someone is happy, we rejoice with him.
11. When we have something nice to share, we share it.
12. When we have work to do, we do it without complaining.
13. We take good care of everything that God has given us.
14. We do not create unnecessary work for others.
15. When we open something, we close it.
16. When we take something out, we put it away.
17. When we turn something on, we turn it off.
18. When we make a mess, we clean it up.
19. When we do not know what to do, we ask.
20. When we go out, we act just as if we were in this house.
21. When we disobey or forget any of the 21 Rules of This House, we accept the discipline and instruction of the Lord.


I find these to be helpful as we focus on a number of these in our own home. In my quiet time I have been praying the book of Proverbs over my children. I so long for them to be wise...but of course as I pray over the family, I see that I too need more wisdom in my own life.

Today, I read in Provebs 10 and verse 21 stood out to me. It says "The lips of the righteous nourish many." As we train our children, we don't just want to have a list of rules they follow but rather we must nourish them. This includes words of praise, gentle instruction, joy and peace. Nourish your children today. Build them up. If there are issues you need to deal with, work on one issue at a time so as to not overwhelm them or yourself! Look for progress not perfection. Spend time enjoying them and nourish them in the midst of training them up in righteousness.

Do you have house rules? Please feel free to share them in the comment section. I'd love to see them or hear how they work!

Walk with the King!