What the Bible says about Moms Working at Home

If you are a Christian, you know that the Bible is God's Word and a "lamp unto our feet", showing us how to live God's way.  If you are not a believer in Jesus Christ, I think this article will still be useful to you, since the Bible has wisdom for everyone.

First, the Bible does not dictate God's perfect will for your situation.  If you are a Mom that needs to bring in income for your family, there are situations you might have to work outside of the home, but also there are times God can provide for you to work at home.  You have to study God's principles in the Bible, and prayerfully seek His will in applying those principles to your life.  That being said, the Bible does give some clear direction on what our priorities should be, and gives us principles to live by.

1. Family First - "Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior’s hands." Ps. 127:3-4 NLT  This is contrary to our culture, which often portrays children as a burden and a hindrance to our careers and success.  Our culture teaches us that money and making a name for ourselves are more important than raising our children in the way they should go.  Also in our generation, our culture has taught us that women need careers to feel important and successful and fulfilled, and the "traditional" view of women as homemakers is looked down upon by the culture and the media as "old-fashioned".  But the truth is that many women who could have careers but choose instead to work from home, often for less pay, because they put their families first, are often more fulfilled than women who neglect their children for the sake of their careers. (see Titus 2:5)

2. You Cannot Serve God and Money - "No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." Matthew 6:24  We all need money to live, and desire more money to make better lives for our family and to have an abundance to give to others in need.  But there is a difference between working hard for money with the right motivations, and becoming a slave to money.  We have to serve God, and seek His will for our lives- not our own.  When we have our priorities in line, God can bring us more money- even wealth- and instead of blowing it all foolishly He can give us the wisdom and right heart attitude so that the money we have is stewarded correctly.  When you serve God, He is your Heavenly Father who will first change your heart and your thinking about money, and then once you can be trusted He will bring more money into your hands.

3. A Model for Mothers - there is a passage of Scripture, Proverbs 31, that describes the "Virtuous Woman", and although the culture was different back then, the principles are the same.  The culture today might say it is "old-fashioned" but read for yourself and decide...

"Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. 11 Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. 13 She finds wool and flax and busily spins it. 14 She is like a merchant’s ship, bringing her food from afar. 15 She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls. 16 She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She is energetic and strong, a hard worker. 18 She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night. 19 Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber. 20 She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy. 21 She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm[c] clothes. 22 She makes her own bedspreads. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns. 23 Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders. 24 She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants. 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. 26 When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. 27 She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. 28 Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: 29 “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. 31 Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise." Proverbs 31:10-31

This woman was a mother who took care of her family, but also worked hard to provide extra income for the family and to have extra to give to others.  A "hard worker" just like many work at home moms today.

I can't tell you what God's will is for your particular situation, but I do know that if you seek God's will for your life, and prayerfully seek to apply the principles of the Bible to your life, you will find God's path for you and your family.  May God bless you on your journey!