Wifely Role
The keeping of the home, an
often maligned career in this modern age, is a woman’s main role; it is
a duty that is actually a
woman’s
beautiful worship to God, through obedience.
In listening to women in leadership talk, and attending various types of women’s meetings, I have found that this subject of the role of women is directly connected to what are referred to as ‘women’s ministries’ in the modern day Christian fellowship. "I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully." 1 Timothy 5:14&15
The Bible has many things to say about the role of the married woman: "The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4. That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5. To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.." Titus 2:2-5
In the verses mentioned above, where it speaks of older women teaching younger women, it mentions some specific things that are to be taught: "Let the older women teach the younger women to (here’s the list): to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5. To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands..." (See ‘Greek Meanings’ sections for the exact definitions of these words.)
Another example:
"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
23. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head
of the church: and he is the savior of the body.
24. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be
to their own husbands in every thing." Eph. 5:22-24
The word ‘submit’ here is also the Greek word ‘hupotasso’, (Strong’s Concordance) meaning ‘to obey, be under obedience, subdue unto, to subordinate oneself, submit self unto’. (See ‘Greek Meanings’ under helpmate articles sections for other definitions)
This word doesn’t indicate being forced to do this, but rather that we as godly wives are to force ourselves to be in obedience. The blessing is that in submitting themselves to their husbands, which is obedience to God’s word, wives eventually become more graceful, beautiful women in God’s sight.
Sadly, I have found that when I attempt to explain to other ‘Christian’ married women about how I feel deeply convicted to stay at home where my duty lies, instead of pursuing a worldly career, the subject is most often changed, or I receive a sympathetic pat on the shoulder; later, rumors circulate about how my husband 'keeps me under his tyrannical thumb' or that I am 'anti-social'. Amusing as this is to me down the road, it is both sad and frustrating, for women like this, whom call themselves Christians, whom have all the fish bumpers stickers, pink leather Bible carrying cases and listen to nothing but Christian radio all day are still completely blind to the contentment and joy I have in my role as wife and mother.
The young women I grew up with, who do not know Christ, likewise have no idea why I am happier than they are, even though I never went to college like they did, nor dated extensively or established a 'successful' career. However, I remember that I was content with and pursued all manner of shallow things, just as they do, before I first tasted the richness of God’s Word; after the Lord opened my eyes, the bright lights that beckoned me to the broad path began to slowly fade away.
To end as simply as possible: the state of being content (aka joy) is one of the most pursued ideals in the world today and is given many labels like ‘inner peace’, etc. The thing that most married women, whom claim Christ, and yet are not being obedient to their role, don’t know is this:
CONTENTMENT IS A CHOICE. ( trumpet fanfare )
So is discontentment, for that matter; you can actually choose to be unhappy with your role as wife and mother, or you can choose to believe that God knows more than you do, even about your own self and happiness. He does, for, if He can change my mind, a once hopelessly ignorant, stubborn and self-absorbed young woman, and continually show me how to be happy with what I have and where I am, then He can bring contentment to anyone.
So, keep your home; make your house a pleasant one. It may not be Martha Stewart's house, but your unselfish actions are a help and comfort to those you love. Teach your daughters that being a good wife and mother is a beautiful, life-long career with extended benefits and a 401k in grandchildren.
God give you wisdom, discernment, patience and the strength to be obedient; may you choose contentment over worldly illusions that bring only grief.