As I think over the role of women in their own homes, I am reminded of the way in which sometimes women introduce themselves. “I am so and so I am ONLY a housewife.” I feel so sad when believing women also say in the same way with such self -pity that they almost communicate they are the last and least in creation ! I feel this is more or less the attitute of the average Indian women. The social system is such that the worth of a person is being measured by the type of work one does outside home. Since the society rates one like this, often we find people have a tendency to go by the yard- stick of the society and miss God’s great plans regarding their lives. By this I do not mean seeking a career is a sin. But the Lord has kept a women’s role primarily at home. All the same, it is a matter for both husband and wife to agree upon and pray and decide as to whether the wife should take up a job outside or not. We have to make sure the systems around us do not influence us negatively.

I feel the role of housewife is looked down upon at least by some because of the lack of understanding they have about it. May be some understand it merely as a cook and one who looks after the daily household chores. The dictionary meaning of the word housewife is manager or mistress of the house which definitely implies much more than the average understanding of the matter. A capable housewife manages the finance, helps the children in studies, in forming right priorities and values in life, looks after spiritual, mental, emotional and physical needs of those at home. A godly wife gives support and counsel to her husband.

The Biblical perspective of the housewife is beautifully pictured in the virtuous woman in the last chapter of proverbs. How she is able to relate herself in various relationship like husband, children, maid servant and those at home and even to those who come to her door step seeking help and comfort is beautiful. “Her worth is far more than rubies and her children call her blessed and her husband safely trusts her? She does not suffer from any inferiority feeling, rather I would say, her position is enviable. Apart from the household chores for which she gets up earlyy and willingly works with her hands, she is very creative and takes initiative in many areas. All the same she is not self -centered for in verse 20, we read, she extends her hand to the poor and she reaches out to the needy. The audible expression of praise from her husband in verse 29 is definitely a great encouragement for her [May I ask you husbands how many of you do this since many a talent wither away due to lack of your encouragement !!].

I understand housewife’s role as a specific calling from the Lord. Those who commit themselves to the Lord asking the Lord to fulfil His plans and purposes in and through them, the possibilities to serve the lord are unlimited. To stand with your husband in all his responsibilities in the stress and strain of his profession, to understand children [mind you, there is no stage you can think they don’t need you], to extend hospitality as the word of God expects and to reach out one’s hands to the needy, all these and much more find a place in the day to day affairs of a housewife.

For, a God appointed housewife has a part to play in building up young lives on the strong foundation of Biblical truths, or to nurse the emotionally shattered ones and help them to start life all over again, in short making disciples for the Lord Jesus Christ. It costs her time and energy and above all requires godly wisdom and discernment to know when to get involved with other lives and to what extent. When she does these things according to His purpose and will, she is truly representing the Lord Jesus Christ, reflecting His character, His beauty. May our mothers have the joy of leading our children to the Lord.

In God’s plan even if he doesn’t give us physical children, yet it is possible to be the kind of housewife the Lord wants Let us make sure we are in the plan and purpose of God. Then the master weaver will see to it that the threads we weave fall in its right place and the tapestry will come out beautiful.

-Mrs. Mary Philip