Roles within the Family, Part 2: Wives/mothers

     What a wonderful gift God has given us in wives/mothers. Their ability to nurture the naughty, mend the broken and provide for the masses is astonishing. They wield such power within the home that with a few short words tension can be elevated or peace can reside. It is paramount that the women within the home understand their power and also their God-ordained role, so that unity can be established and maintained. Allow me to show you a couple of examples, from the Bible, that could help us understand what role the wife/mother should and should not play within the home.

     Jezebel. I Kings 21:25 says, "But there was no one like Ahab who sold himself to do wickedness in the sight of the LORD, because Jezebel his wife stirred him up." Wives play a crucial role in stirring up their mate. It can be done for evil or for good. When your husband comes home from a rough day, sharing the troubles he faced with a co-worker, you can either stir him up to act more like the world or more like Christ. Which way do you stir him? Hebrews 10:24 says, "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works." To do this, wives must be in God's Word so you can know how to stir your husband in the right direction. Do not be led by your flesh and stir your husband toward sin.

     Abigail. I Samuel 25. Abigail was married to a very rich, yet very ungodly(vs. 17 calls him a scoundrel, or son of satan) man named Nabal. When David and his men had come through they showed kindness to Nabal and his flocks. Now, David was in need of food and petitioned Nabal. His stern rejection aroused David's anger, which lead to David's desire to kill Nabal and all the males within his house. Upon hearing this, Abigail acted. Not on her own behalf, but on that of her husband. In verse 24, she states, "On me, my lord, on me let this iniquity be!" Even though she was not to blame, she was willing to take the blame and punishment for her husband’s actions. May I encourage you to follow her lead? Many wives and mothers have no trouble speaking ill of their husband/father; tearing him down with the very lips that should be building him up. Maybe your husband is a "son of satan" and behaves wickedly all the day long. May your lips still desire to lift him up and your heart be willing to lay down your life for your mate. Compliment him in front of your children; praise him in front of your peers. In so doing, you will have gained your closest friend and your dearest ally.

     May you practice what Paul taught us in Ephesians 5. Wives are to submit to their husbands and respect them, not only when the task is easy, but even when the road is rough. Do not grow weary while doing good, for in due season you shall reap if you do not lose heart. Galatians 6:9