christian homemaking: A Lost Art?

Christian homemaking: is it a lost art in spiritual families these days? Here we learn of its joys, skills, and purpose for the family of today.

You may not think of it as an art but it truly is one, especially if you want to do it right and not in a sloppy manner. There is definite planning, work, and skill involved with many of our household chores and everyday routines.

Every young Christian girl, teenager, and young lady should learn this wonderful art of keeping a home for herself and for her family. (Guys, you do too) I feel it is a lost art this day in time because we have so many other things taking over our minds, hearts, and time that we just don't consider homemaking as an art; nor do we always consider it as something we need to take a closer look at or take a bit of pride in. 

Perhaps you feel it is just boring work; regardless of what it entails, it's just something that takes up a lot of your precious time and energy to do. Unfortunately, you know it has to get done anyway. Yes, these are thoughts that may run through your mind on this issue, just as it does mine.


the joys of christian homemaking

Why would I say there are joys to this? Well, just the fact of having a clean, well-organized, and put-together home is a great feeling for most of us Christian housewives and mothers (the men and fathers kinda like it too!)

There is a feeling of pride and satisfaction when you know where everything is, and that everything has its place; so that when you go to find something you can get right to it without tearing out every drawer or piece of cutlery, cookery, clothing, or miscellaneous item you have in your home! Ever had that problem before? (raising my hand).

See where you can experience joy even in small things as you go through your daily routine in keeping house; washing/drying clothes, changing the baby's diapers, mopping/vacuuming the floors, entertaining guests in your home, etc. Yes, you may have some fun in doing various chores or housework during the day, but in regards to the ones you don't necessarily like; count them all as joy too.

Whenever I go through a stump or a depressing moment in my daily routine of housework, I say a little prayer, asking God to change my thinking and attitude on the task at hand. I then remember how much I love my family and want to have things in my home looking nice for them; the food smelling/tasting good; and the rooms nicely picked up and organized. Here are a few passages of scripture that may help you to experience more joy in your own Christian homemaking life as well:

  • John 16:22-24 says, "And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you. And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you,' Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you. Hitherto, have ye asked nothing in My name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.'"
  • Romans 12:12 says, "Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;"
  • Proverbs 17:22 tells us, "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones."
  • 1 Peter 1:8 says, "Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory."
  • James 1:2-4 exhorts us, "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."
  • Psalm 16:9 says, "Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope." And finally,
  • Psalm 118:24 reminds us that, "This is the day that the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."

useful skills in christian homemaking

What is different between Christian homemaking, and just homemaking in general? Well, the way I see it, it's all in the way it is perceived and experienced; meaning, that our attitudes and thinking comes into play as we spend our time, money, and energy in creating a home that pleases God.

When you, your husband, or children come in from a hard day of work, school, or play, they want to be in an environment that is pleasant, with good feelings, warmth, and kindness of heart all through it. Once I heard the term, "Home is where you hang your hat!" I can see a bit of truth to that saying actually. So, home is truly where you feel the most peaceful, nurtured, comfortable, loved, and rested.

A Christian home environment fills the soul's need for spiritual fulfillment and holy living. That is the difference in Christian homemaking. In everything you do; whether it's preparing for a huge family dinner, or as menial as simply taking out the trash; do so with the love for your family and the love of God in mind. 1 Corinthians 16:14 reminds us all, "Let all your things be done with charity (love)." And furthermore, it tells us in 1 Corinthians 14:40, "Let all things be done decently and in order."

There are so many skills that can be included within the task of Christian homemaking. Here are just a few on my list of skills that may be required to run a happy home:

  • Sewing skills. Christian homemaking can be fun in many ways, and I personally feel this is one of those skills--sewing. This could be useful in learning smaller tasks, such as sewing on a button, hemming up a dress/shirt, putting on a pocket, etc. However, you may find it more practical and to your benefit to create more modest and fashionable dresses/skirts for yourself or your daughters, or shirts and pants for your husband and sons. Being a seamstress has its benefits! You can determine what types of clothing and outfits are fashionable for you and your family, but in a modest and appealing way, of course. At times this can be costly however, depending on prices of fabric, patterns, and notions. You may find that buying your clothing is a lot cheaper these days than sewing up your own. Again, it depends on your needs, your desires, and your budget. Consider how Christian homemaking might include this unique skill within your home in benefiting those of your family.
  • Cooking skills. This is obvious I think for those who do not know how to cook. Believe it or not, there are some individuals, men and women alike, who are completely clueless in this area, or just have not had the opportunity or have had someone to teach them how to cook food or put together an edible meal. Nowadays you can learn from social media, such as through Facebook videos, or watch You Tube videos on how to prepare certain meals. I've learned how to prepare a few dishes as well this way and found it to be a wonderful tool in helping me to learn various dishes and how to prepare them. I am sure that your own family would love and appreciate tasting and trying out so many wonderful dishes you could create from using this all important skill in your home.
  • Organizational skills. This goes along the lines of cleaning and organizing/reorganizing cabinets, drawers, closets, pantries, boxes, shoes, dishes, clothing, the garage, your vehicles, the attic, or just anything or any place where things get tossed and gathered together in creating clutter or messes. Decluttering your life is so liberating and empowering! But it may take some time and practice to master it. I feel very blessed to have sisters in my life who can give me lots of practical advice and knowledge on this subject, which encourage me to continue to do better in this area of Christian homemaking.
  • Cleaning skills. Not everyone cleans well. I had this problem growing up as a kid in the sense that, although I cleaned at home, thinking I did a good job of it, in fact, I left grease on dishes, dirt and dust on floors and carpets, not diligent with throwing away things, or picking up after myself. As the years went on, especially during my college days, if I didn't clean up after myself and in my own surroundings, I could and was punished for it. I thank the Lord for giving me the willingness to change this area about myself. Although the phrase, "Cleanliness is next to godliness" is not found in the Bible, I can see however, the true "divine" importance of remaining clean in all areas of life. So, this is really a useful skill worth learning and applying within Christian homemaking.
  • Food Preparation and Storage. Besides that of learning how to cook and then cleaning up after cooking, it is vital also to understand and learn how to do your own food preparation and storage of food products, especially one that works for you and your family's needs. You don't want to spend hard-earned money in buying food, but then not know how to store it away or prepare it properly. That is when things go bad and become non-edible. That is just money wasted. For example, when buying your vegetables, learn how to store them (in the refrigerator, or out in a bin or shelf) to ripen before consuming. Put your meats up in the freezer or down below if you will be using them in a few days. If left out they will become bad and rot. Storing food items requires planning and organizing as well. There is so much information out there in books, from family members, from videos on You Tube and so on to help you through this. It's so exciting to learn these various Christian homemaking skills, and to create a home that is inviting, warm, and nurturing. Furthermore, you can teach your sons and daughters these all-important domestic skills as well. They will definitely use them at some point in their lives.

your purpose in christian homemaking

So then, what should be your purpose in Christian homemaking? Why should you learn and utilize these various skills in the first place? Well, as a Christian housewife and mother, your primary duties are to your husband and children. Herein, this passage of scripture explains my point as the disciple Paul wrote: In 1 Corinthians 7:32-35, it teaches, "But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. There is a difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband. And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that you may attend upon the Lord without distraction."

If working a job/career is also part of your life, then those responsibilities are indeed included. There are times in which wives must help out their husbands financially in order to make ends meat. I feel in this way she is also aiding him by being a "help meet" (as the Bible says) to him as well. 

The purpose God has given you within your role as housewife, mother, career woman (if applicable), grandmother, etc., is that of major importance in His eyes and in His will for your life.

Christian homemaking sets a higher standard in the line of domestic duties and application within the home, and should be looked upon with honor, gratitude, thanksgiving, and happiness, as it aids in keeping a warm and peaceful flow of spiritual contentment within your home and family life.

Finally; most times, it is within the home where many things are first learned. As a believer in Christ, you are a witness and testimony to your husband and children. They are watching you all throughout the day/night and are gaining knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in many areas of life; and also learning to discern what is right and wrong in everything; developing talents and skills that will help them throughout all of life as well. 

Help your children learn to run smooth households when they become adults and are out there on their own. Do so through the joys, skills, and purposes of Christian homemaking. Many of these skills are just a part of life. Furthermore, I have found many times, that our grandparents are a wonderful help and resource to utilize in teaching children many of these homemaking skills.

Being a Christian mom and wife has its many challenges, of course; but initially, your job, as well as their dad's, is to ground them, keeping them firmly planted on the Word of God, being consistent in prayer, and extending themselves outward in reaching lost souls for Christ. As you create a spiritually pleasant home, always remember that you are doing so with Christ as the center, and He will bless your sweet happy home.


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Cooking Skills For The Christian Homemaker

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