(Titus 2:4-5) that they admonish the young women . . . to love their children . . . to be homemakers . . .
So, you have chosen to stay at home with your kids and not go out into the workforce. Good for you! That is a choice God will honor because you are putting your children first. But the path you have chosen is not easy. Therefore, receive encouragement from God’s Word:
- HUSBAND’S SUPPORT: (Amos 3:3) Can two walk together, unless they are agreed? The number one thing you need is for your husband to be 100% behind you. You must decide together that this is God’s will for you. Once you do that, then you won’t buckle under the pressure when your decision is challenged. When you get second thoughts, your husband will encourage you to keep pressing on at the goal set before you. (Phil 3:14)
- FINANCIAL: (Mat 6:19-20) “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven . . . One of the most difficult things about staying at home to raise your kids is the money aspect. You will feel poor so much of the time but you have to tell yourself that it is worth it. Let’s be honest . . . you will have to sacrifice earthly comforts and put your treasure into your little ones as they grow. That means perhaps driving an older car, not shopping for clothes as much as you would like to, not being able to go out to eat as much as before, denying yourself your gourmet coffee (but McDonalds is half the price anyway!), etc. Your husband might have to work extra hours and you yourself might have to consider a home-based enterprise.
- PEER PRESSURE: When you choose to stay at home and raise your kids there might be pressure from your family and friends. Your parents might not favor your decision because they don’t want you to struggle financially. Your friends might have double income and be more upscale than you. You drive up in an older car and might not be able to park on their nice concrete driveway because of your oil leak. You walk into their house and see all the nice furnishings. You drive home and second guess your decision. STOP! You are under pressure from others, but probably more under pressure from yourself. Stand firm! (Acts 26:19)
- IDENTITY CRISIS: There are so many women in the work force these days and you might feel lonely at home with all your girlfriends at work. Maybe you could join a Christian mom’s group at church or in the community where the kids could play together, and you could pray with the other moms. This will reinforce your commitment, knowing others are doing the same. (Gal 6:2) Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
My wife was a stay at home mom and she raised two beautiful daughters. It was rough at times, but I am so proud of her determination. She tells me she wouldn’t change a thing! (Psa 113:9)
Louie
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