To work or not to work, that is the question! The moment Rosie the Riveter picked up her drill life hasn’t been the same. Rosie’s battle cry, “We can do it!” was the shot heard round the world. A new page in history was written. Off went the pearls and apron, up went the hair, and on went the pants. Women were leaving the home and entering the workforce in droves.
With over 600,000 men killed in World War II and hundreds of thousands more injured, there was a need for the woman to step out in faith, seeking a job that would provide food and shelter for her children.
With Rosie the Riveter’s children grown with grandchildren of their own, the debate continues. Should mom work outside of the home or not?
Being from both sides of that debate, I see the pros and cons clearly. And with our economy and unemployment at record lows, Christian women are entering the debate and struggling with what the right thing to do is.
Is working outside of the home God-honoring? It depends.
There are many women of the Bible who held jobs outside of the home. The Proverbs 31 woman sold real estate, Lydia was a successful business owner selling scarlet in Ephesus, while Priscilla worked for her husband’s tent making business. All were used by God. Your motivation and hearts desire is what does or doesn’t make your choice to work God honoring.
To do your will is not God honoring. To do His will is. And if that means providing essential needs for your family then it will bring glory to God. What doesn’t bring glory to God is taking yourself from the ministry the Lord has called you to. As a mom, your husband and children are your ministry, your calling. Whatever takes you from them must be God honoring.
Here are a few things that are not God honoring.
*Taking yourself away from your family to work for wants and not needs. (Working to afford your weekly pedicure or gym membership.)
*Working to have a car as nice as your neighbors.
*Reminding your husband you couldn’t make financial end meets without your income.
*Using work outside of the home as your reason not to work inside the home.
Call me old-fashioned but I do believe a woman’s first and most important calling is her husband and children. If she is working, then her family should be helpful to take a few housekeeping burdens off her plate. But ultimately, this is still mom’s responsibility. Mom is the heart of the home, after all.
After being a stay at home mom for almost ten years now, once again I am at the crossroads of working full-time. The necessities being medical benefits, dental benefits and college for my four children. Seeking the Lord for His will and not mine is key.
If “to work or not to work” is the question…”to do God’s will and bring him glory and honor“ would have to be the answer.
Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1Corinthians 10:31
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