Serving the Lord through Our Homemaking

Examining Scripture:

“Not slothful in business;
fervent in spirit;
serving the Lord;”
Romans 12:11

Evaluating Soil:

Homemaking doesn’t seem to fall into the category of “serving the Lord.” In fact, most days, it feels like an obligation that consumes our time and prevents us from serving the Lord. It can often be seen as a burdensome responsibility that holds us back from doing the things we deem as more important and useful for God. Have you ever felt that way? I have.

There are days when homemaking seems like nothing more than a dreary list of menial, repetitive tasks that bring little gratification or gratitude. There’s no doubt the work of caring for our homes is important but, sometimes, it doesn’t seem important enough.

The instructions we read in Romans 12:11 teach us to be:

• Not slothful in business
• Fervent in spirit
• Serving the Lord

At first glance, that doesn’t appear to apply to our homemaking, but it does. Any instruction God gives promotes holiness in us and is profitable for every aspect of our lives.

Our service to the Lord doesn’t start outside our homes, at work, in church, or in our communities.  It starts in our hearts and homes and spreads from there.

Experiencing Seasons:

The other day, I recognized a return of resentment in my heart about a particular homemaking task. (You know the “silent, ugly and you think no one sees it” kind.)

Mind you, this task was not as big a deal as it was in my head. It involved picking up a large pile of sticky vinyl after my husband finished a vinyl lettering and graphics job. We’ve been dealing with this work-related, cleanup issue since we were married and I still dread, resent, and procrastinate taking care of it when he can’t. I know it needs done and he wants it done, but he doesn’t always have time to pick it up right away.

My husband works hard in our home business and his work causes big messes. However, those messes represent God’s provision, and my resentment about picking up piles of sticky vinyl, shows a lack of gratitude for that hard work and provision.

It was clear that my attitude needed a spring cleaning. So, I decided to address the task and my resentment. This time I made the decision to do it unto the Lord and it made a big difference.

“And whatsoever ye do,
do it heartily, as to the Lord,
and not unto men.”
Colossians 3:23

Everything we do should be with fervency, as if we were doing it for the Lord. For me, it was a perspective changer.

Embracing Solace:

Homemaking can be wearisome, especially cleaning up after others. However, when we’re slothful and not fervent, we lose the tranquility that a cared-for home provides.

Enjoying Simplicity:

Think of the world of chaos we face when we don’t try to put forth some effort in keeping orderliness in our homes. Laziness and a lack of earnest zeal complicate our daily business and make tasks worse than they have to be.

Employing Solutions:

God’s principles of service to Him work great in the home. It changes our perspective and focuses our motives and willingness. His ways help us to be:

• Punctual
• Less Idle
• Less Lazy
• More Eager
• More Earnest

Applying Romans 12:11 to our homemaking can reinvigorate our hearts. Earnest zeal for our Creator is a great motivator.

Bring It Home

What ways do you serve the Lord through your home? Praying for you as we grow together,
Smiles, BRC