“Who Has God Assigned to be “Keepers at Home”?
© 2021 by Tom Boynton (editing by Kathy Boynton)
“Keepers at home” are missing from many households in our modern society. Due to the lack of mothers who are “keepers at home,” it is difficult for households to become true families.
When I was growing up, my mother was almost always near at hand. Early on, she provided direct nourishment. When I was about 4, she was available to answer my questions as I played with my toys. One day, before I reached kindergarten age, my Mom was working in the kitchen. I was playing with my toy truck, rolling it on the threshold between the kitchen and dining room. I suddenly looked up and asked her, “Mom, do you think I’ll go to heaven when I die?” The picture of that short exchange is burned into my memory. Had my mom not been around, I could not have had that interaction.
Her presence in my life illustrates the importance of principles which have been largely abandoned even in Christian circles These principles and practices must be taught. The apostle Paul wrote to Titus and gave him instructions regarding these matters. One of those topics was “older women.” He specifically encouraged them to be examples and teachers that the younger women could emulate. He wrote:
“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.” (Titus 2:3-5)
However, in order for a woman to be an effective “keeper at home,” her main focus must be home centered. To make this possible, her husband must be the provider who finances and enables his wife’s essential home-centered focus. This is why, in another letter, the apostle Paul wrote to Timothy with the following declaration.
“But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” (1 Timothy 5:8)
A man who shirks this responsibility, sabotages his wife’s critical ministry to their children, and even to himself.
God’s purpose for Christian husbands and wives is that each intensely pursue the role assigned. Each must honor the role of the other. Only in this manner will the God-ordained Christian household develop into an evangelistic family to advance Christ’s kingdom. Though the husband is family head, micro-management by the husband is imprudent, even as in business. They must be workers together and joint heirs!
“Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.” (1 Peter 3:7)
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