In Titus 2:3-5, it says, "The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed." The part that I wanted to focus on...that has been on my mind today is "keepers at home". I have heard it taught that this means a woman is to stay at home and the husband is to be the one that works outside the home. Which I agree is the way it should be...BUT in the world we live in and the way the economy is, this is not always possible for some. I have been fortunate enough since my daughter was born almost 8 years ago, I have been able to stay at home. We have had our tough times with only one income source, but God has ALWAYS provided for us in every situation.
But on a different note, if you study the phrase "keepers at home" it is define in the Greek Lexicon as "caring for the house, working at home, the (watch or) keeper of the house, keeping at home and taking care of household affairs and/or a domestic". In my opinion, being a keeper at home is much more than being a stay-at-home mom. It is managing the household. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines manage as follows: 1) to deal with (something) usually skillfully or efficiently, 2) to look after and make decisions about and 3) to meet one's day-to-day needs. Now I do believe that decisions should be jointly made in the household. In business, there is an owner and then there is the manager. Working together in unity is what makes a business run smoothly. The same goes for a household. Husband and wife must work together in unity for everything to run smoothly as God intended for it to run.
In a biblical sense, one can refer to Proverbs 31:10-31. This chapter lists the qualities of a virtuous woman whose value is far above rubies. When considering the value of a ruby in our secular world, a ruby with brightest and best red color brings a higher price. In like manner, a woman must be one her best behavior and shine bright for God in order to make a difference in those around her. Proverbs 31:10-31 in short, a woman should have these characteristics: trustworthy, kind, works joyfully, goes the extra mile to get the choicest goods, disciplined, prudent with money, energetic, good steward, diligent, compassionate, generous, provident, elegant, industrious, poised, wise, manages her home, praiseworthy, distinguished, God-fearing and honored. I know that this may seem like a long list of "to do's"...but when we practice these every day we would begin to see the difference it makes not only in the lives of our husbands and children...but to those who see us. It can be a great testimony of how God changes and guides our lives when we yield to His ways of doing things.
Yes, it may seems like a big load to carry, but I am thankful for the opportunity to be a keeper at home. One thing that "pops out" at me today is the importance of modesty in this time we live in. The peer pressure doesn't just come from those "in the world" anymore...it comes from those in the church who try to follow after the things of this world. As the one who manages our home, I need to make sure my husband and children are clothed modestly and in the best clothes our budget can afford. We represent God...so we need to dress accordingly. Another quality that comes to mind is attitude. Enforcing and exampling godly, fruitful attitudes is important. Once again, we represent God...we need to act accordingly.
These are just a few thoughts that are on my mind today. I want to ultimate give thanks to God for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of my husband and children...To be there for them and be the best wife and mother I can possibly be. Because, if it was not for God, I would not be surrounded by SO many blessings. He truly deserves ALL the glory, honor and praise!
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