In our society, social and financial pressures are creating lifestyles that are challenging God’s blueprint for women. Because of these pressures, the traditional role of motherhood and a woman’s place in the home is being compromised. Many feel forced to seek a career outside of the home and family, or may do so because of a desire to be independent. As a result, many women are trying to manage a career and family at the same time. They find it difficult to do justice to both, even with the help of a day care or a baby sitter. Mother is unable to be there when her child needs her, and she is not fully able to enjoy the special years of the child’s development.
While the demands of life seem to make this setting necessary, we must not let this dictate the pattern for our homes and our life. There is a way to follow the plan that God’s word has for us. Shortly after God created Adam, He caused him to fall into a deep sleep, took a rib from him, and made a woman (Genesis 2:21-22). “Male and female created he them” (Genesis 1:27). God had a perfect plan in his creation and it has not changed. He created a man and a woman to complete and complement each other. “Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord. For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God” (1 Corinthians 11:11-12). In God’s sight, the woman’s worth is no different than the man’s. Her fellowship with the Creator and his approval of her is complete. Nevertheless, man and woman have different roles. First Corinthians 11:3 clearly defines that the man is the head (leader) of the woman, and woman is to be in subjection to him. When this is practiced in Christian love, it brings peace and contentment.
To be converted and become a child of God is the first step in finding God’s order for life. When a woman’s heart is completely yielded to God, she is able to understand God’s purpose for her life. She then recognizes and cultivates the gifts God has given her. The Holy Spirit gives her strength, courage, and direction, and He graces her life with humility. The Christian woman will also practice modesty as taught in the following scripture: “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands” (1 Peter 3:3-5). With her love completely set on God, she does not act or dress in a way that attracts undue attention to herself, rather seeking to glorify God. Her modest dress and actions only add to her inner beauty.
Someone who, through the experiences of life, has discovered their limitations may come to realize their need of God. That humble person will find that trusting God is an anchor in the trials of life. A woman who trusts in God and submits to Him is liberated from a multitude of frustrating problems. By trusting God, she will find that it is easier to submit to her husband. Submission is a beautiful virtue and has the potential to enrich the life of every woman. Security and contentment are blessings that come when she allows God’s plan in her life.
Usually a woman’s desire in life includes marriage and motherhood. She was uniquely created for the special task of bearing children. God told Adam and Eve: “Be fruitful, and multiply” (Genesis 1:28). Nurturing and caring for her child is one of a woman’s greatest privileges, and her influence as a mother affects her children’s success, as well as their eternal destiny. To purposely choose not to have children is forfeiting one of the most rewarding experiences in a woman’s life. Physical and emotional love in a marriage should be pure, and is given to a couple for their enjoyment as well as for the continuation of the human race.
In the Garden of Eden, God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him” (Genesis 2:18). This scripture establishes the role of a woman in relation to her husband. This companionship and helpfulness is a beautiful reality that can still be experienced in homes today. “Let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband” (Ephesians 5:33). In this setting she finds her life filled with meaning and purpose.
There are times when a woman may seek independence and equality in the working world. In doing so, she is in danger of losing man’s respect and God’s approval. Instead of competing, the Christian woman should find a complementary and supportive partnership with her husband.
The Bible teaches that the young women are “to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands” (Titus 2:4-5). The mother is the heartbeat of the home. There she helps her husband lay the foundation of moral standards. The warmth of her spirit quietly establishes security and confidence in the lives of her children. The woman who accepts God’s divine order for the home will be blessed.
Even though a woman’s priority is her home, her role extends beyond that. The Bible records the examples of godly women like Ruth, the Shunammite woman, and Dorcas, who unselfishly served others. Today there is a place for a Christian woman to serve humanity in non-leadership roles. As she exercises her inborn attributes of love, gentleness, and compassion, she is a living example of godliness.
God has a beautiful plan for a woman that brings happiness, freedom, and fulfillment to her life. In his wisdom and grace, He created woman for a purpose that only she can fulfill. Satan is doing his utmost to confuse this order. As each woman fills her role by living in submissive obedience to God’s will, she defeats Satan’s purpose. With the grace of God in her heart, she can humbly and joyfully give of herself in the daily experiences of life, whether married or single. As she fills her place in God’s plan, a beautiful harmony emerges in the heart, the home, and the community, and God is glorified.