These days, very few young girls grow up with the dream of being a “homemaker.”
What was once a common profession in the ‘Golden Age’ has since been mocked by liberal feminists who insist the only way a woman can work and “make something of herself” is outside of the home.
But there is a deep ministry and joy to be found in serving the Lord as a homemaker, and it might be a bigger blessing than you ever imagined.
When most people hear the term “ministry” – they imagine a thriving Christian, non-profit feeding hungry children all over the world, or envision a missionary who has packed up all their belongings to move to a country and share the Gospel with unreached people groups.
And while these are certainly valid ministries, and callings for some, so is being a homemaker.
Homemaking is not about just cleaning toilets, cooking dinner, and doing laundry.
Sure, these tasks incorporate maintaining a home, but homemaking is so much more!
Biblical homemaking is about cultivating a welcoming home, one that provides a safe refuge for a woman’s husband and children, and receives others with joyful hospitality.
To start, children benefit greatly from having a mother who is present, and not absent at work each day.
Children need their mother – and when a woman is able to nurture and raise them in the ways of the Lord, and watch over them, it will set them on the right path.
And let’s not downplay the act of selfless service that goes into keeping up a home.
Simple “mundane” tasks like cooking dinner and emptying the dishwasher may seem meaningless, but remember when we work – we are to work and serve as unto the Lord!
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men”. Colossians 3:32
By serving one’s family each day “behind the scenes,” a woman may not win a company award, but she is investing in the eternal well-being of her family while serving God.
And what a blessing to cook and provide nourishing meals for one’s family.
Michele Morin, a guest contributor to Desiring God, speaks about how she learned to embrace her life as a homemaker through reading the teachings of Elisabeth Elliot.
Desiring God reported:
“She knew (and has taught me to see) that the ministry of tending and keeping was always part of God’s good plan for humanity. From the outset, Adam and Eve were God’s appointed co-laborers, and, as a fellow bearer of God’s image, I imitate God when I am faithfully engaged in the work that keeps my family fed, clothed, and in the right location at the right time. Therefore, all the mundane tasks that are stuck on replay in this mothering life have meaning.”
Being a wife and mother is beautiful, and no woman should ever be ashamed if “all she is” is a homemaker.
Perhaps you are a working mom and long to make the transition to a homemaker.
It can seem scary to live off of one income – but this is where the finesse comes in!
Think about ways your family can be more frugal.
From eating out less, canceling cable, even moving to a smaller and more affordable home if necessary!
There are ways to adjust your budget and make it work.
And to those who are fellow homemakers – stay encouraged.
You are serving the Lord in a beautiful way by cultivating a Christian home environment.
May the Lord bless you in your ministry!
“The homemaker has the ultimate career. All other careers exist for one purpose only–and that is to support the ultimate career.” CS Lewis.
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