A Few Ways to Live Out the Gospel in Your Homemaking

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There is nothing more powerful in home than for us to live out the gospel in our homemaking. This means we must examine our goals, anchor our homes in truth, live love and take joy every day!

By Katie, Contributing Writer

I like to think about the end goals of my homemaking.

In the midst of work that can easily feel endless, cyclical, and mundane, I wonder, “what am I actually trying to do here, and why?”

As I think about it, I get excited!

What am I trying to do through my homemaking?

For myself 

I seek to exercise self-discipline, learn diligence and build character through the daily work of home, knowing that any work I do for God’s glory bears within itself a eternal reward (Colossians 3:23-24). I also know I will benefit in many other ways when my home environment is at least somewhat put together, and so will my husband!

For my husband

I strive to add goodness to his life and to serve him, and he does the same for me. We work as a team. As the homemaker of the two of us, my desire is to cultivate an environment for him to be refreshed.

For my children

I seek to cultivate a safe, joyful, relational environment that will ultimately point my kids to Jesus. 

As homemakers, we have the unique and exciting privilege of shepherding our children’s hearts through how we teach, train, discipline and guide them.

For others

I desire to create a environment characterized by God’s presence, abiding peace and hospitality. I want others to find a safe haven here when needed and receive the ministry of God’s grace through the way we welcome them in and love them whole-heartedly.

And most of all…

Most of all, I’m excited about living the rich and abundant life that’s available in Christ with my husband, modeling it for my children (and ultimately living it in community with them as they come to know Christ personally), all while welcoming other in to a gospel-centered way of living!

Life with God is good and contagious. It’s right. It makes sense. God’s Word proves true over and over again when we put it to the test in our living, and living its truth carries far more worth and joy than any other aspect of homemaking.

So, what does this abundant life look like?

It is founded on truth, steeped in joy, walked out in trust and soaked in love for God and others.

As you can see, my goals for homemaking run much deeper than just keeping everyone fed and in decent living conditions, although those can and do provide a very important means to these ends.

In fact, that’s why I created the Help for the Hopeless Homemaker online course for those who do not have a firm handle on their homes (as I once did not), but want to get there! I teach a handful of simple daily habits, home projects and mindsets that make all the difference on a practical level!

How to Live Out the Gospel in Your Home

There are MANY ways the gospel is expressed through our homemaking. I want to give you just a few suggestions to get you thinking. 

Can I be the first to admit that I don’t do ANY of this perfectly, or even well most of the time? My goals and ideals are often quite different from what life actually looks like.

However, when I remind myself of my goals, it goes a long way to point me in the right direction! Because homemaking is, within itself, a ministry.

Take Joy

I believe that joy is both a gift and a choice. It’s a fruit of God in us.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Paul writes,

“Be joyful always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances. For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (NIV)

I don’t know about you, but this verse challenges me. If I’m not intentionally choosing joy in my homemaking, I will quickly begin to feel put out by life’s frustrations. 

However, if we want to live God’s will for us, we must refrain from self pity or excessive mourning over life’s trials and inconveniences. Rather, we must trust God to such a degree –knowing He is good, knowing He loves us, knowing He is at work in every situation, and knowing there is an eternal reality –that we will choose and cling to joyfulness, prayerfulness and thankfulness… in all circumstances.

Live Love

God is love. So what ingredient could be more profoundly powerful in the making of a home than love?

Love forgives offenses, humbly hopes and works for the best for others, even when we stand to gain nothing.

The Bible describes it like this,

“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)

Let’s make it our mission to live that radical love in and through our homes, as well as every other part of our lives.

Anchor in Truth

God’s Word is true, and we must make it our home base if we want our homes to embody what is right and good. 

Because the other truth is our world is confusing. Hollywood is confusing. How often do we see sin portrayed as “lovely” or “justified”? I don’t know about you, but that messes with my thinking. Others’ opinions are confusing and vary GREATLY depending on who we’re talking to.

What we need is a reference point, an ultimate authority for truth. And God has graciously given us just that!

I believe, as Christ-followers, we need a little less network television and a little more time soaking in God’s word for ourselves, allowing God to speak to us personally.

Nothing has transformed my life more than the daily habit of reading the Bible and prayer. If you would like to start this habit for yourself, you can! All it takes is a little determination.

For more on that read: 21 Days to the Most Life-Changing Habit Ever: Daily Time with God.

How do you live out the gospel in your homemaking?