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.
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:
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:
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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