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Wednesday 12 December 2012

Keepers At Home

Now, this is something I have been looking at for some .time. I will probably tread on toes here, but I would hope every part of our lives should be open to inspection regarding what the bible teaches. If we believe the bible to be the inerrant word of God, as I do, then we will realise that we can't just pick and choose. Oh how different society has gone in the last 30 years. However, this is no pointer for us, as we are not to be conformed to the world. Now, most mothers work full time outside of the home, and sad to say, it isn't due to necessity, but often because they desire a mortgage, or more material things. Then, when they get tempted into all this, they become a slave to mammon/money, and it does become a 'necessity' to them, if they want to keep the same roof over their heads. So where did it all start? In Titus 2, we read that; '' 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.(EMPHASIS MINE) So, what does 'keepers at home' mean? In the Greek, it has the meaning of 'stayers at home' So what does this mean? I would say, it can only mean one thing, and that is our main job is in the home! (is not to say there won't be exceptions to this rule, as there are some, including single mothers who have to go out to work full time.) It also doesn't mean, that we are NEVER to leave the home, as the Proverbs 31 woman pursues her own business, and sells her wares, and buys in the market place. She will make sure she has enough food, and supplies in the home, in case of emergency, and she will also be fit, active, and given to charity! I have to chuckle a little, as I doubt we would match up perfectly to all these qualities! In fact, in Proverbs 31:10, it states; 'Who can find a virtuous woman?'' Yes, that's it, ''Who can find?'' It is in the negative, as if this is a rare phenomenon. However, this should be our starting point, if we are truly serious, about following God's plan for our lives. So, our job is to make sure the home is running well, and is a place of nurture for the children we might be blessed with. How sad, that the home is usually the most empty place, in the day time. I have known of whole streets, where every house is empty, as all are out pursuing work outside the home. How society derides stay at home mums. How can it be, that a mother, or woman only has value when she is looking after other people's children, or working for a boss, other than her husband? I see it as Satan robbing people of their joy. If we are to be working full time outside the home, then we will not be there for our children, and not be there for our husbands, and to keep everything in order. There is a trend now for husbands to do their shareof the housework, as it is accepted it is impossible to do both. However, it is our job. This doesn't mean our husbands should never help, but rather it is our responsibility. A warning here, too, even if we are not working outside the home fulltime. It is possible to make ourselves too busy outside the home, even to the point of idleness.Not to use it for gossiping, and going idly from house to house. The whole point of the proverbs lady, was that she was to be doing good works, and helping, but again, not to the expense of her own family. I will explore this more again, as there is more to say. Feel free to comment.