**Titus 2:3-5 "Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored."
The word for "workers at home" [oikougous] is directly translated from the Greek to mean: "guardians of the house," "a stayer at home," "keeper of the home" or "worker at home." The root for the word "home" [oikos] directly translates "by implication a family."
**1 Timothy 5:3 "Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God."
**1 Timothy 5:13 "Besides, they [young widows] get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to. So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander. Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan."
Personally, after studying Proverbs 31 and the above verses, it seems obvious to me that God does has a specific plan for me in which I am to be a godly wife, busy at home and that I should be raising my children according to Deut. 6. When my mothering "stage" is over, I still think that God clearly shows us that we are still to be busy at home or within our church and community. I believe, that the calling in that area will be different to each woman. In 1 Timothy it says that young widows (this could also be applied to the "childless") should "practice religion" and care for their own family...repaying parents and grandparents. That could be taking care of them when they are elderly. Also in Proverbs 31, you see this woman out in the community "extending her hand to the poor" and such as that. Can you imagine the impact on the world and in the Church is all women took on just one of those two roles within the family, church or community?! I think many would be so impressed that they would come to know Christ through their actions! If we all applied Scripture to our lives like that, the world would be a MUCH different place! Can you imagine the heritage and impact that you would leave behind? Wow! That gives me chills!
The funny thing is that many view motherhood to be fruitless and somewhat insignificant (purposeful-LESS). Just think of how many generations you are impacting or affecting by raising up those godly arrows you've been blessed with. Look at Susanna Wesley (John and Charles Wesley's mother) and how she made impacts for generations and generations by JUST staying at home, being busy at home and teaching her children according to Deuteronomy 6! Wow! That is one big purpose! We might not be viewed as being "great" here on earth, but I believe that a faithful mother and faithful grandmother, etc. will hear those coveted words, "Well done my good and faithful SERVANT!" It's not all about us and our "feel-good" calling, but of what God has called us to in His Word.
Now, go live out your God-given purpose in life! Be proud of your mission and take it seriously!
Check out these AWESOME resources:
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Passionate Housewives Desperate for God - Here's an AWESOME book, chock-full of Scripture for the purpose of womanhood/motherhood!
It is so excellent and so encouraging. I really suggest it especially if you are looking into what God's Word says, rather than what "man" has to say on the subject!
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- Another Great Article
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~ Lisa Metzger
Posted by
May. 15, 2008 - Untitled Comment
How can the world make something so important seem so undesirable?
I was thinking of ordering the book, Passionate Housewives Desparate For God. It sounds great!
ps Congrats on your pregnancy.
Rosalie (mom of 10) www.maprap.blogspot.com