Keepers at Home

We have talked about the importance of serving the Lord, and one fruit of serving Him is, in turn, service to our families. One area that we can serve our family is through living the godly calling of being a keeper at home; or, a ‘worker’ at home.

“Older women . . . encourage the young women . . . to be . . . workers [or keepers] at home.” Titus 2:3, 5

“Keeper” by the Greek definition is to guard the home, to be domestically inclined (i.e. a good housekeeper). There is a description in Scripture of what I would say would be an excellent example of a keeper at home. This example is found in Proverbs 31:10-31:

-She looks for wool and flax and works with her hands in delight.
-She is like merchant ships; she brings her food from afar.
-She rises also while it is still night and gives food to her household and portions to her maidens.
-She considers a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard.
-She girds herself with strength and makes her arms strong.
-She senses that her gain is good; her lamp does not go out at night.
-She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hands grasp the spindle.
-She extends her hand to the poor and stretches out her hands to the needy.
-She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
-She makes coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple
-She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies belts to the tradesmen.
-Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future.
-She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
-She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness
-Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
-Give her the product of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.
Excerpts from Proverbs 31:10-31

Keeping the home involves so many aspects. What we generally think of is the physical acts of cleaning, cooking/baking, etc. Tending to these things is a part of our calling as women of God and by doing so, is living obedience to God. What type of activities would fall under this heading of being a keeper at home? Here are some basic thoughts and ideas regarding this:

Cleaning:
♥ Washing the dishes
♥ Laundry
♥ Vacuuming
♥ Picking up
♥ Organizing
♥ Dusting
♥ Cleaning the bathroom (including mirrors, sinks, counters, and bathtub/shower)
♥ Cleaning the kitchen (including counters, sink, microwave, refrigerator, etc.)
♥ Sweeping
♥ Mopping
♥ Cleaning the Pantry
♥ Cleaning and organizing closets, cupboards, and drawers

Cooking and Baking:
♥ Daily cooking nourishing and healthy meals (or helping your mom do so)
♥ Baking bread
♥ Baking special desserts :)
♥ Gardening and providing fresh vegetables

Decorating:
♥ Flower arrangements
♥ Candles
♥ Soft music playing
♥ Cozy quilts, afghans and pillows
♥ Edifying Scripture verse wall-hangings (pictures, cross-stitches, drawings, etc.)

Caring for these physical aspects of the home are very important, but an even more important aspect of being a ‘keeper’ is keeping the atmosphere of the home. Is it sharp and cutting? Warm and welcoming? Cold and hard? Relaxing and cheerful? The type of atmosphere in our home will be determined by the occupants’ heart attitudes, countenances and words. Yours and mine included. Here are some thoughts on what these would be:

Heart Attitude, Countenance and Words of:

♥ Joy
♥ Love
♥ Kindness
♥ Peace/Peacemaker
♥ Not contentious
♥ Patience
♥ Goodness
♥ Faithfulness
♥ Self-control
♥ Submission
♥ Obedience and honor to our parents
♥ A Gentle and Quiet Spirit
♥ Diligence

This list is by no means exhaustive, but it gives a general idea of what attributes we can cultivate in our lives in order to have a pleasant and God-honoring atmosphere in our homes. It is most difficult to exhibit these qualities when those around us do not practice them, but one sweet fragrance of a rose can permeate a large area. Be that one sweet rose casting its fragrance and beauty upon all those who come into contact with it. May we let Christ shine through us to bless others, so that they too may “glorify [our] Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16).

*If any of you should have something to add to the above lists, please feel free to share! We would love to hear your thoughts. *


-Posted by Sarah