~ A place to find answers to gnawing spiritual questions ~
Question: I am a psychology professor and the mother of a 4-year old. Up until recently I was single parenting, thus staying home was not an option. I was married two months ago, and while I did not initially consider staying home as an option (due to my flexible schedule and the fact that my son will be starting kindergarten), I have been feeling lately as though God is placing the desire on my heart to stay at home. As flexible as my career is, it's still overwhelming and my son spends 3 full days in preschool. I'm tired when I get home, as is my husband and things like the laundry, house cleaning, cooking etc. are usually up for grabs. I feel somewhat foolish even considering staying home since I have worked so hard to obtain this career, with so much autonomy and flexibility, but I can't begin to tell you how pulled I've been feeling. My question is: Do you believe that it's biblically mandated for a married woman to stay home and be the keeper of the home? If so, why? Thank you! I am praying for wisdom and guidance, but I also know that God expects me to do some work and learning what He's already told us in the Bible.Answer:
In researching the question: Is it biblically mandated for a married woman to stay home and be the keeper of the home? I could not find any scripture which specifically mandated a married woman to stay at home. I did however, find many scriptures which address relationships and the responsibilities of a wife and mother.
1 Timothy 5:14 admonishes a young married woman to guide (rule) the house. Can you accomplish this on less than a full time basis? This is for you and your husband to agree upon. The woman of Proverbs 31 is able to do all things for the benefit of her household. She is first of all the crown of her husband; she is the keeper of the home: she shops, cooks, makes clothes, raises the children, and in general, does everything she can to make a home for her husband and children. She is however, also a business woman, who manages her own finances and buys and sells. She is a very busy woman who does not waste any time. There are many more successful business women mentioned in the Bible.
My question to you is: Can you be the keeper of your home, train up your child in the way he should go (Proverbs 22:6), fulfill your husband's needs (Ephesians 5:22-24) and still have time and energy for your career? Only you and your husband can answer that.
In the beginning of your letter you state: "I have been feeling lately as though God is placing the desire on my heart to stay at home." If God is the author of this desire, then you and your husband must come into agreement quickly. As for your professional education, who is better equipped to train up your child in the way he should go than you, his exceptionally well-qualified mother? His education from a loving, Christ-centered perspective should be a top priority for you. He will not receive it in public school. Have you considered teaching him at home?
When God orchestrates your life, there is always room for every gift he has given you. Education is a gift that is never wasted when it is combined with God's plan for your life. Trust God to never be wrong.
