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"The Ancient Landmark"

What Must I Do To Be Saved?

Comments:

 

When there are two working parents, is the wife the person responsible for taking care of the house and the children?  If this situation occurs what can be done about it.

Answer:

Hello _________,

First, the wife has responsibilities concerning the care and raising of the children. The Bible says this in such passages as:

1) Proverbs 31:10-31 --- The virtuous woman was one who, while obviously selling land, goods, etc., took care of things at home and was active in raising her children. This is the reason they called her "blessed" (v. 28).

2) I Timothy 5:14 --- Young widows were expected to remarry, and "guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully."

3) II Timothy 1:5, 3:14 --- Here, it is clear that Timothy was taught the truth by his mother and grandmother. Timothy had a father (Acts 16:1), but we don't know his attitude toward spiritual things.

4) Titus 2:3-5 --- This is a good passage to read and note the responsibilities expected of wives/mothers. Obviously, wives and mothers have responsibilities which must be accepted if they are to please God.

These are a few passages which might help you as you think about the responsibilities of a wife/mother.

Having said this, when married couples both have jobs they go to on a daily basis, should the husband help out around the house and with the children? Absolutely.

I say this for a few reasons:

1) The husband is to be leading the house, and to do this as Christ leads the church (Eph. 5:23, 25). Christ never asked us to do anything He did not do Himself.

2) Remember Matthew 7:12 -- a husband ought to treat his wife as he wants to be treated. He likes getting help from his wife, so he also ought to be ready to help her on things.

3) Ephesians 6:4 enters this discussion as well. A husband needs to teach his children (by word AND example) how a husband treats a wife. Therefore, he ought to be seen helping with projects/work around the house, so that his children know how to act when they grow up.

4) Is this not his house, too? If he is interested in the up-keep of the house, as well as clean children who are fed on nights that Mama is working late, or whatever, then he needs to pitch-in and help.

There are other points that could be made, but I hope this is enough to show you what the Bible teaches.

Now, what happens if a husband/father refuses to do his job?

1) Don't allow his lack of action keep you from doing what the Bible says you ought to do. A wife's responsibilities continue EVEN IF a husband won't live up to his. If he does not help, and then the frustrated wife refuses (in protest) to do her work, then nothing gets done!! Then who suffers? The children, as well as the marriage itself.

2) Talk with your husband about it. Don't speak in a nagging way, but in a concerned way, and show him how his lack of efforts around the home effect all in that home.

3) If he won't listen, continue to do your job, and remember I Peter 3:1-2 -- Husbands are sometimes softened when they see what the wife has to endure.

I hope these thoughts help answer your questions. If not, please feel free to contact me again, and let's talk about it some more.

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