As homesteaders, we understand the value of hard work and dedication. We wake up early, work late into the night, and take pride in the fruits of our labor. But what does it mean to witness Biblical homesteading? In Matthew 9:37, Jesus says, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” What can we learn from these words, and how can we apply them to our daily lives as homesteaders?

Stewardship

As stewards of God’s creation, we are called to care for the earth and all its resources. This involves not only using sustainable farming practices but also taking a holistic approach to homesteading that recognizes the interconnectedness of all things. Biblical homesteading understands the gift God gave humanity by the words in Genesis 1:28-31 :

And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.

Soil Stewardship

One important aspect of stewardship is caring for the soil. Soil health is essential for producing healthy crops and maintaining a healthy ecosystem. As homesteaders, we can improve soil health by using compost and other organic amendments, practicing crop rotation, and reducing tillage. For example, we can generate compost through use of deep litter hemp bedding in chicken coops. These practices help to improve soil structure, increase water retention, and promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms that support healthy plant growth.

Animal Stewardship

Another key aspect of stewardship is caring for our animals with compassion. As Christians, we believe that all of God’s creatures have intrinsic value and deserve to be treated with respect and kindness. This means providing them with adequate food, water, shelter, and medical care, as well as allowing them to exhibit natural behaviors and live in environments that meet their needs. Open air chicken farming is one such technique you can consider if your environment permits. We can also reduce our impact on the environment by using manure and other animal waste products as a natural fertilizer.

Cultivating Respect

As homesteaders, we have a unique opportunity to live out our faith by cultivating a deep respect for the natural world. This means taking time to appreciate the beauty of nature, listening to the sounds of the birds and animals around us, and being mindful of the ways in which our actions impact God’s creation. We can also teach our children and others in our community about the importance of stewardship and the role that we all play in caring for God’s gift.

In addition to these practical measures, being good stewards of God’s creation also involves a spiritual dimension. As we care for the land and animals, we can cultivate a deeper appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the natural world. This is in turn leads to a greater understanding of the interdependence of all things. This can lead to a sense of wonder and gratitude for God’s abundant blessings, and a greater sense of responsibility to care for the earth and all its inhabitants.

Stewardship of God’s creation is an essential aspect of homesteading. It involves caring for the soil, animals, and environment, as well as cultivating a deep respect for the natural world. By practicing sustainable farming methods, reducing our impact on the environment, and being mindful of our role as stewards, we can honor God’s creation and fulfill our calling as homesteaders.

Community

Living a faith-filled and loving lifestyle as homesteaders means recognizing the importance of community and relationships. In Matthew 22, Jesus emphasizes the significance of loving our neighbors as ourselves, highlighting the need for us to prioritize building healthy relationships with those around us. As Jesus states:

Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

As homesteaders, we have the unique opportunity to cultivate a sense of community both on and off our land.

Community in the Home

On our homesteads, we can work to build relationships with our family members and those we work alongside to maintain our land. This can involve involving children in the daily activities of the homestead and sharing the workload with other members of the family. We can also use our homesteads as a platform for inviting others in our community to share in our bounty and participate in the work of the land. By inviting others to participate in the homesteading lifestyle, we can build stronger bonds with our neighbors and establish a sense of community that extends beyond our property lines.

Community outside of the Home

Outside of our homesteads, we can actively seek out opportunities to engage with those in our community. This may involve volunteering at local events, participating in community organizations, or simply making a point to get to know our neighbors. We can also use our homesteads as a way to give back to our community by sharing our knowledge of sustainable farming practices or donating excess produce to local food banks.

In building these relationships, it is essential to treat others with kindness and respect, even when it is difficult or inconvenient. As homesteaders, we are in a unique position to model this type of behavior by valuing the dignity and worth of all people, regardless of their background or beliefs. Through our interactions with others, we can reflect the love and compassion of Christ and build stronger, more connected communities.

Ultimately, living a faith-filled and loving lifestyle as homesteaders requires a commitment to both our relationship with the land and our relationship with others. By prioritizing stewardship of God’s creation and building healthy, loving relationships with those around us, we can live out our faith in a tangible way and make a positive impact on our world.

Purpose

Living a life of purpose is a fundamental aspect of living a faith-filled and loving lifestyle as a homesteader. Our work is not just a means of income or a way to provide for our families; it is a calling to be stewards of the gifts and talents God has given us. As we are reminded in Colossians 3:23-24 :

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

This means that we should approach our work with a sense of purpose and dedication, understanding that we are ultimately serving a higher calling.

For homesteaders, this sense of purpose is often found in the work itself. We have the opportunity to use our skills and talents to care for the land, nurture animals, and produce food that sustains ourselves and others. By doing so, we are not only fulfilling our basic needs but also contributing to the well-being of our communities and the world at large. This gives us a sense of fulfillment and purpose that is often lacking in other professions.

However, living a purposeful life as a homesteader goes beyond the work itself. It also involves using our gifts and talents to serve others. As Jesus says in Matthew 20:28:

For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve — and to give his life as a ransom for many.

We are called to follow his example by using our skills and resources to help those in need, whether it’s through donating excess produce to a local food bank, volunteering at a community garden, or offering our expertise to a neighbor in need.

A purposeful life means being intentional about the choices we make. As homesteaders, we have the opportunity to make conscious decisions about how we live and consume. We can choose to live simply and sustainably, reducing our impact on the environment and our dependence on material possessions. We can also choose to support local businesses and farmers, building a more resilient and interconnected community.

Living a faith-filled and loving lifestyle as a homesteader involves more than just caring for the land and building relationships with others. It also involves living a purposeful life, using our skills and resources to serve others and make a positive impact on the world around us. By approaching our work with dedication and intention, we can find fulfillment and purpose in our daily lives and make a meaningful contribution to the world.

Practicing Biblical Homesteading

Pray and Reflect

As a homesteader, it’s essential to take the time each day to pause and reflect on the work we do. In this fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget the real purpose of our work. We must take a moment to connect with God and ask for his guidance in all that we do. By doing this, we can be sure that we are on the right path, and our actions are in line with our faith. So, take a few minutes each day to pray, meditate, and reflect on your work as a homesteader. Ask God to guide your actions and help you to be a good steward of the land and the resources he has given you.

Build Relationships

As homesteaders, we have a unique opportunity to build meaningful relationships with those around us. We can be intentional about building relationships with our family members, neighbors, and members of our community. We can start by simply taking the time to chat with someone when we’re out and about, inviting a neighbor over for coffee, or volunteering at a local charity. When we build strong relationships with those around us, we create a sense of community and connectedness that can be life-changing.

Sustain God’s Creation

As homesteaders, we have a responsibility to care for the land and the environment. One way we can do this is by using sustainable farming practices that are gentle on the land and the environment. This could include using organic fertilizers, rotating crops, and conserving water. By doing this, we can ensure that the land remains healthy and productive for generations to come.

Respect your Animals

As homesteaders, we have a responsibility to care for the animals that are entrusted to us. We must provide them with adequate food, water, and shelter, as well as veterinary care when needed. We must treat them with compassion and respect and ensure that they are living in a safe and healthy environment. By doing this, we can create a healthy and sustainable relationship with the animals we raise, and we can provide them with a good quality of life.

Serve Others

As homesteaders, we have a unique set of skills and talents that we can use to serve others. We can donate surplus produce to a local food bank, teach others how to garden or raise livestock, or volunteer to help with disaster relief efforts. By using our skills and talents in this way, we can make a positive impact on the lives of others and create a more compassionate and loving world.

In Conclusion

Living a faith-filled and loving lifestyle as a homesteader is not always easy. It requires hard work, dedication, and a willingness to put the needs of others before our own. But as we strive to live out these principles, we can be confident that we are fulfilling God’s plan for our lives and making a positive impact on those around us. As Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” Let us be among those laborers, working faithfully and lovingly to serve others and glorify God in all that we do.