When I first became a stay at home mom, I was really overwhelmed by the constant housework and the endless snacks needed by the two tiny humans I was trying to raise into disciples. In today's fast-paced world, the role of a homemaker often goes unnoticed and undervalued. However, the more I studied scripture, the more I felt a call to be a better homemaker.
I know that no every woman has the desire or the ability to be a stay at home mom / wife. While we've made sacrifices as a family so we could afford me to stay home, I do believe that every woman is called to be a "homemaker" and she can do that while working a job outside of the home, working from home, or even being a stay at home mom / wife.
If we were to create a job description of a Biblical homemaker, I've found these five roles stick out to be the most important.
Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.
1. A Biblical Foundation
In the very beginning God made Adam and Eve a home called Eden. God was the first homemaker. He created the space. He spoke trees and plants, fish and livestock, and everything else Adam and Even would need or want into existence. He made their home....and it was good.
In the very beginning God made Adam and Eve a home called Eden. God was the first homemaker. He created the space. He spoke trees and plants, fish and livestock, and everything else Adam and Even would need or want into existence. He made their home....and it was good.
Proverbs 31:27-28 sets a beautiful example of a Christian homemaker: "She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her."
A homemaker is someone who diligently oversees the well-being of her household. Some would call this the "mental load" of the home. She makes sure that there's enough milk in the fridge, there's clean clothes in the drawers, and the wellbeing of her family is taken care of. For me, this took some work
A homemaker is someone who diligently oversees the well-being of her household. Some would call this the "mental load" of the home. She makes sure that there's enough milk in the fridge, there's clean clothes in the drawers, and the wellbeing of her family is taken care of. For me, this took some work
2. Practicing Hospitality
Another key aspect of a Christian homemaker's role is practicing hospitality.
Another key aspect of a Christian homemaker's role is practicing hospitality.
Hebrews 13:2
When God's people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.
When God's people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.
Romans 12:13
Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
1 Peter 4:9
Opening one's home to others and showing love and kindness mimics the love of Christ. No where in these scriptures does it say, serve the most expensive meal on the finest china in the cleanest home... it says be hospitable. Create an atmosphere of warmth and welcome where others can experience the love of Christ.
3. Creating a Sanctuary
In our world of social media, we see beautiful homes on Pinterest and Instagram every time we open our phones. In the a constant screams of "you need this to have a peaceful home" and "you should DIY this to have a home filled with joy", I hope you hear the still small voice of the Father who says 'I am the Prince of Peace' and the God of Hope who will fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him.
Proverbs 24:4
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal.
Matthew 6:19-20
Unless the LORD builds the house, its' builders labor in vain.
Unless the LORD builds the house, its' builders labor in vain.
Psalms 127:1
Don't lose sight of making the home so pretty, that we forget about creating a place where Jesus can be the focus of every person who enters.
4. Nurturing and Educating
A part of the homemaker's role is to nurture family relationships and uphold godly values within the household. I love the book, Habits of the Household, where Justin Earley writes, “The greatest spiritual work happens in the normal moments of domestic life”. How I invite God into these mundane moments, these tiny acts of worship, builds a firm foundation for my tiny disciples.
5. Dedication to Prayer
Lastly, a homemaker understands the power of prayer. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 encourages us to "pray continually." A homemaker often becomes the spiritual anchor of the household, interceding for her family, seeking guidance from the Lord, and nurturing a spirit of faith within her home.
Being a homemaker is a noble and sacred calling. It involves not only the physical aspects of taking care of the home, but also the spiritual and emotional well-being of the family. Scripture provides clear guidance on the importance of this role in creating a loving, godly, and nurturing environment within the home.
4. Nurturing and Educating
A part of the homemaker's role is to nurture family relationships and uphold godly values within the household. I love the book, Habits of the Household, where Justin Earley writes, “The greatest spiritual work happens in the normal moments of domestic life”. How I invite God into these mundane moments, these tiny acts of worship, builds a firm foundation for my tiny disciples.
This could look like a short prayer when we wake up each morning, singing praises while making a meal, stewarding our finances, or parenting in peaceful way. There's so many ways to add God back in to the mundane tasks of our daily lives.
5. Dedication to Prayer
Lastly, a homemaker understands the power of prayer. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 encourages us to "pray continually." A homemaker often becomes the spiritual anchor of the household, interceding for her family, seeking guidance from the Lord, and nurturing a spirit of faith within her home.
Being a homemaker is a noble and sacred calling. It involves not only the physical aspects of taking care of the home, but also the spiritual and emotional well-being of the family. Scripture provides clear guidance on the importance of this role in creating a loving, godly, and nurturing environment within the home.
Remember that your work is a vital part of God's divine plan for your family and for His kingdom.
Join me for the next 21 days as I share some of our family’s daily rhythms, our ordinary moments, and systems that help me manage our home, that also cultivate a love for God and His word in our children.
Join me for the next 21 days as I share some of our family’s daily rhythms, our ordinary moments, and systems that help me manage our home, that also cultivate a love for God and His word in our children.