Biblical Homemaking
What is the purpose of homemaking?
At its' core, homemaking is about creating a safe haven for your family to enjoy. Cultivating a space where your husband, children, and yourself are excited to be and happy to return to after being gone means giving your family a space to bond and truly enjoy doing life together!
What is the difference between a homemaker and a housewife?
Typically when the terms "homemaker" or "housewife" are used, the main difference is the heart behind the roles.
A homemaker lovingly and thoughtfully devotes her time and attention to making her home a safe, enjoyable spacefor her family to thrive in, while a "housewife" is known to be a wife who simply keeps up with the chores of the home.
A homemaker may spend extra time doing projects, DIYing, baking, and organizing her space because she knows it's going to add to the joy and satisfaction of her family living in the home, while a housewife journeys down her list of "to-do's" so that she can check them off and get on to the next thing.
Can I still be a homemaker if I'm not a stay-at-home mom?
You can absolutely still be a wonderful, Biblical homemaker, even if you work outside the home!
Of course, it may take a little more intentionality to choose where to spend your time.
Try blocking out a couple of hours a week in your schedule to dedicate specifically to homemaking tasks and projects you'd like to do!
What does the Bible say about homemaking? What does God say about homemaking?
Here's a list of Bible verses about homemaking with some insight into how each one can apply to your position as a wife and mom, taking care of a home!
Homemaking Verse 1: Proverbs 31:27
"She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness."
This verse shows us that, as wives and moms, we're called to stay busy in the home and to avoid laziness. What an encouragement this is to me, especially on the days I feel exhausted as a homemaker! It's uplifting to know that, even in those tough moments, I'm doing what God's called me to do!
Homemaking verse 2: Titus 2:3-5
"Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God."
Paul instructs older women to mentor younger women, emphasizing virtues such as love, self-control, purity, and industriousness in the home. The idea of being "busy at home" signifies a positive engagement in homemaking responsibilities, showing love and care for your family, and fostering a godly household!
Homemaking verse 3: 1 Timothy 5:14
"So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander."
I love the reminder to "manage your home" here. Managing something means delegating the tasks throughout it to keep it organized and flowing smoothly. It means not just flying by the seat of our pants and hoping everything works out.
In what ways can you do that in your role as a homemaker? How can you be more intentional in the management of your home?
A simple way you can stay more organized with this is by creating a home management binder!
Homemaking verse 4: Proverbs 14:1
"The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down."
This proverb contrasts the outcomes of wisdom and folly in homemaking. A wise woman builds up her household through her actions, decisions, and efforts. In contrast, foolish behavior can lead to the deterioration of the home’s harmony and stability. It highlights the true impact of a homemaker's choices on the well-being of her family!
Homemaking Verse 5: Colossians 3:23-24
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
This verse encourages a wholehearted approach to all tasks, including homemaking, viewing them as service to the Lord. By putting one's heart into household duties, a homemaker honors God and sets a positive example for her family!The promise of divine reward for faithful service can give us such motivation and purpose in our homemaking tasks!
Homemaking Verse 6: 1 Peter 4:9
"Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling."
Phew! How we all need this reminder from time to time when it comes to taking care of our home, husband, and children!
"Without grumbling." How convicting. Enough said.
Homemaking Verse 7: Ephesians 5:22-24
"Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything."
The command here is to submit ourselves to our husband and his needs and to do so gladly as if doing it unto the Lord. What a perfect reminder that as we serve our husband, we are also serving the Lord.
Homemaking Verse 8: Proverbs 24:3-4
"By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures."
There are 3 things we're seeking here that will make our home life strong and stable:
- Wisdom
- Understanding
- Knowledge
It's important to remember that this is Biblical wisdom, knowledge, and understanding we're to seek in our pursuit of Biblical homemaking.
There are many, many, many voices in the world (especially through social media) that are shouting at us, claiming they have the knowledge we need. But, as Christians, it is simply God's Truth that will set us free!
Homemaking Verse 9: Genesis 2:18
"The Lord God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.'"
What an honor it is that the Lord designed us (women) to be the exact type of helper our husbands needed. I think this is so helpful to remember in the moments when we are frustrated with our husbands or don't want to do anything else for them. Pray that the Lord reminds you in those moments that He chose you for this! And that you're the only one for the job.
Homemaking Verse 10: 1 Corinthians 10:31
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."
I've always loved this verse because there's such freedom in it. God is so kind and loving that He gives us free will to spend our time as we like, but He reminds us to make sure that everything we're doing is for the glory of God!
This can very well be applied to our homemaking tasks. Whether it's doing laundry, washing dishes, or creating a DIY project for your daughter's bedroom, we're called to do it for the glory of God!
This post was all about Biblical homemaking! We truly hope it encouraged you. Be sure to check out Faith Farms for more similar tips and products that will assist you in your homemaking habits!