The Christian Wife

What is a post entitled 'The Christian Wife' doing in a Christian mothering series, you ask? Why, this topic is so important I could not think of not including this into the series and here is why:

Our role as a wife is an important to our role in mothering for several reasons. If we are in rebellion in our roles as wives it taints much of what we teach as a mother. We are constantly engaging in teaching our children by teaching them through our examples. If we are loving, respectful, humble and submissive in the sacred role of wife our children we see those traits characterized in our lives, but if we possess the opposite...manipulative, slanderous, controlling, nagging, rebellious, proud towards our husbands---do we not think our children who are keen observers will not spot our hypocrisy sooner or later?

The interesting thing I have observed in children is they will learn your manner and then become what they have witnessed. Do you question your husbands decisions outloud? They will learn not to trust and question him also. Do you say bad things about dad in front of them? They will too. I have been shocked to hear the smallest child of the age of 5 talking lowly of her father only because she witnessed it day in and day out at the hands of her mother. She was taught dishonor and disrespect from her very infancy. Sadly staying true to the 'you reap what you sow' principle--the seeds of rebellion cannot help but to eventually take root and soon it will take shape against the very mother who initially exemplified poor judgment and character in the first place.

A Christian wife would be very attentive of her example at all times, knowing that not only her children are watching her but also the world. Does this mean she is perfect? No, but she tries her best to bring glory to God by obeying Him. God exhorts us about living a godly life and how doing so others might be saved, trust in the fact that He will also give you the help to do it.

Every minute of the day we are teaching our children volumes about being a wife and mother just as our husbands teach by their example what it is to be a father and leader of the home. If we are always irritated or ridiculing one another we should not be surprised when we hear that our children do not have a desire to marry...they have learned in our homes what they have to look forward to.

If we always always complain about housework and participating in pity parties for ourselves, we should know we are not helping our daughters who are in training to be homemakers, except we are setting them up for failure through our example. If we say we love children but then are always angry at them or yelling at them we are conveying the exact opposite. Mothers, we must always strive to be good examples!

This is where we need to oftentimes do a *heartcheck*. Are we prideful when it comes to our husbands because worldly feminism is still lurking in our hearts? Do we uphold and esteem him as leader of the home--even through his faults--and others know it? Do we look lowly at his opinions while we roll our eyes or sigh? Do we honestly think children are a blessing or do we say that just to look spiritual?

Dear Mothers, I urge you to start today on building on a strong foundation for your marriage and the sake of your children--one that will last, endure the test of strength and one that your children will look upon with admiration and try to emulate in their own marriages one day. Remember in your heart that one of the key ways to begin to change your home and culture around you is by beginning with yourself.




(The Christian Mother Series, Part 13)