Embracing the Role: What It Means to Be a Christian Homemaker
Is homemaking simply washing dishes, doing laundry and cooking meals, or is there a deeper meaning to this role that we find ourselves called to? What are the spiritual and practical aspects of being a Christian homemaker?
Over the last few years, it seems that there has been a small shift in our culture when it comes to homemaking. Sure, it’s still not the popular opinion, but many women are stepping into and embracing their role as a homemaker.
I am one of these women. The last 10 years of my life have been a journey into embracing this role and seeing the gift that it truly is. It hasn’t been smooth sailing, and I haven’t always been positive about it. But God, in His faithfulness, has changed and continues to refine my perspective, for His glory.
So, what does it really mean to be a Christian homemaker? How can you embrace this role practically and spiritually? I hope the bits of wisdom in the post encourage you – so let’s dive in!
The Heart of Homemaking
Let’s start by looking at the “spiritual” aspect of being a Christian homemaker. What I mean by this is the side of homemaking that nourishes our soul, and the souls those around us.
I just want to note, that all work that we do is important. Some work is more focused on the spiritual side of things, and other work is practical, daily life work. But whatever category it falls into, it can be done in a way that glorifies God.
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17
You’re Rooted in Christ
First and foremost, as a Christian Homemaker, we must be rooted in the Word of God. There is no substitute for this. If we are not connected to Christ, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit in all that we do, we are absolutely going to come up short. This can be seen in our attitudes, our lack of motivation, or a tendency to complain instead of show gratitude.
Starting each day with prayer and scripture can set a positive tone for your homemaking tasks. Incorporating God’s Word into our daily lives not only helps us make wise decisions but also brings peace and clarity to our homes.
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105
Pray when it’s hard. Give thanks for the little things. Listen to worship music while you clean. Allow Him to guide your every action, word and thought.
Check out these Free Bible Study Resources I Offer
Creating a Loving Environment
I don’t know if you’ve noticed this in your home, but I’ve noticed that my mood has a huge impact on the tone of our home. If I wake up feeling a little irritable, I can quickly notice my children reflecting my same impatience. If I approach tasks with drudgery, they approach them with drudgery.
But one of the most beautiful aspects of being a homemaker is the opportunity to create a sanctuary for your family. In John 14:27, Jesus tells us, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” As homemakers, we can strive to cultivate that peace within our homes.
Often times, this starts with us and our own attitude towards things. We can choose to react in kindness and gentleness. We can choose to go above and beyond in our service for others. And we can rejoice knowing that our honest efforts, though sometimes seemingly unnoticed by those in our home, are never unknown to our Heavenly Father.
We Serve Others
Homemaking doesn’t stop at our front door. It extends to our community. Hebrews 13:16 reminds us, “Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
As Christian homemakers, we can reach out to those in need, whether it’s inviting a neighbor over for coffee, cooking a meal for a family going through a tough time, or volunteering in community projects. By opening our homes and hearts to others, we reflect Christ’s love in tangible ways.
Finding Joy in the Mundane
Let’s be honest—homemaking can sometimes feel repetitive or overwhelming. But in Colossians 3:23-24, we’re reminded, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
This perspective can change the way we approach daily tasks. Instead of viewing them as chores, we can see them as acts of worship. When we cook a meal or tidy up, we’re not just doing a job; we’re serving our families and honoring God through our efforts.
The Practical Side of Homemaking
While the spiritual aspects are vital, there’s also a practical side to Christian homemaking. Because the meals do have to be cooked, and the clothes do have to be washed. So, let’s chat about how to do these things diligently.
You Steward Your Time Well
As Christian homemakers, we’re called to manage our households in a way that honors God. It’s about more than just dusting and vacuuming; it’s about creating a space where our families can grow spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
If you can manage time well, maybe you can sit down together as a family for dinner or you can have a relaxing evening with your spouse after the kids go to bed. These little moments, all added together, are what life is made of.
All of our lives look different, so there is no one-size-fits-all solution to managing all the tasks you have to do. But I do think it is wise to have a plan of how you will spend your days.
Live Within Your Means
We should also manage our financial resources well. Money stress is one of the biggest stressors in the world. If we can eliminate that worry in our home by living within our means, we contribute to the overall sense of peace in our homes.
We can do this by setting up simple systems to stay on track. Meal planning and monthly budget meetings with your spouse are some of the easiest and most practical systems to implement.
You can also start looking at for more frugal ways to live. Cooking from scratch, buying second hand, and opting out of the culture that tells us we need more, and we need it all, right now are huge money savers.
Here are some free planning and organizing printables to help you in your homemaking tasks:
- Monthly & Weekly Meal Planning Calendar
- 12 Month Calendar with Bible Verses
- 2 Page Monthly Planner
- Weekly Household Organizer
You Work Diligently and Consistently
When I first came home from working outside the home, I was shocked at the amount of free time I had in my day. I didn’t have children at this point, so by 10 A.M. every day, I was pretty much out of things to do.
I didn’t know how to cook from scratch, or garden, or be creative. All I knew how to do was get up, be to a job at a certain time, and come back home at a certain time. And I was bored out of my mind. So, I went back to work.
Looking back now, I realize I didn’t really want to go back to working outside the home. I just didn’t know how to fill my days. I needed to lean in to learning some new, challenging skills. We were after all, created to work.
“The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” Genesis 2:15
As homemakers, we should be busy doing good work. If we find ourselves with too much open time, we’re going to fill it with something. Let that something be contributing to the overall good of things, and not just endlessly scrolling social media or binge-watching shows.
Involve the Family
Involving your children in the process of caring for their home is not a punishment. It is a blessing to be able to teach them that by caring for what we have, we are showing our thankfulness to God.
This can be hard in the little years because initially, it’s actually more work on you. Afterall, you must teach them first before they can do the tasks themselves, which usually makes the job take longer than it would have if you had just done it yourself.
But as a Christian homemaker, this is worthwhile work. You are instilling a sense of responsibility and respect in your children for future years. They will (prayerfully) grow into adults who steward and care for their resources well.
You Do Self Care Differently
After that last bit, you’re probably thinking “but sometimes I’m tired!”. And I just want to say “me, too!”. So, I haven’t forgotten about the fact that as care takers of the home, we still need rest and fun.
We’ve all heard that saying of “You can’t pour from an empty cup”. I agree with that statement. However, I want to encourage you to fill your cup differently than culture may tell you to.
When we get ready to practice self-care, it should still be in line with all of our other values. That means we are not forsaking our other values in order to feel better. We are still making wise choices on how to spend our time and resources. We are making sure we are doing self-care in a God-honoring way.
I would highly encourage you to start with filling yourself up with God’s Word if you aren’t already doing so. Most times our mental exhaustion is linked directly to our spiritual health – meaning we aren’t rooted strongly in God’s truths.
Here are a few more ways that I practice “self-care” as Christian homemaker. Dinner out with a friend or my husband, small group Bible study, having my husband do the bedtime routine so I can take a relaxing bath and read a book.
And sometimes, it’s just about giving yourself a little treat and having fun. So, occasionally picking up my favorite iced coffee while running errands or having a kid-free trip to the thrift store are
Your Personal Homemaking Journey
Every homemaker has a unique style and approach. Throughout the years, you may need to adjust systems and routines to fit your family or season of life. Having open lines of communication with your spouse is also so important. You can decide together what is most important in your life.
While you’re on this homemaking journey, always remember that you are answering a high calling. With God’s guidance, you can create a home that is not only a sanctuary for your family but also a beacon of light in your community.
This is the good work of being a Christian homemaker.
