SHARING THE LOAD

Toward the end of his earthly ministry, Jesus said:  "You must love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:39) Applying this counsel in the family helps enormously in household management.  After all, who are our nearest, dearest neighbors if not those who share the family dwelling-husbands and wives, parents and children?  How can family members show love for one another?

One way is for each family member to do his fair share of household chores.  Thus, children need to be taught to put things away after using them, whether these be clothes or toys.  It may take time and effort to tidy the bed each morning, but it is a big help in the management of the household.  Of course, some minor, temporary disarray is unavoidable, but all can work together to keep the home reasonably neat, as well as to clean up after meals.  Laziness, self-indulgence, and grudging, reluctant spirit have a negative effect on everyone. (Proverbs 26:14-16) On the other hand, a cheerful, willing spirit nourishes a happy family life.  "God loves a cheerful giver." -2 Corinthians 9:7.

Consideration and love will help prevent a situation that is a serious problem in some homes.  Mothers have traditionally been the mainstay of home-life.  The have cared for the children, cleaned the home, done the family laundry, and purchased and cooked the food. In some lands, women  have also customarily worked in the fields , sold produce in the market, or contributed in other ways to the family budget.  Even where this was not the custom previously, necessity  has compelled millions of married women to find employment outside the home.  A wife and mother who works hard in these different areas deserves commendation.   Like the "capable wife" described in the Bible, her days are well filled.  "The bread of laziness she does not eat." (Proverbs 31:10, 27) This does not mean, though, that a woman is the only one who can work in the home. (Its just the way it is suppose to be according to God's Words in the Bible.) After a husband and wife have both worked all day outside the home, should the wife alone bear the burden of work in the house while the husband and the rest of the family relax?  (I had to. I worked, took care the kids, the house, the cooking. Granted while I was at work, he baby- sitted the kids, no housework. But the minute I got home, I did it all and did not complain) Surely not. (Compare 2 Corinthians 8:13, 14)  So, for example, if the mother is going to get a meal ready, she may be grateful if other family members help with the preparation  by setting the table, doing some of the shopping or cleaning up a little around the house. Yes, all can share the responsibility.  -Compare Galatians 6:2.  (Note: You see, I know my place in the household and I liked doing things myself; that way, they were done correctly and I did have to redo anything) 

 Some may  say: "Where I live it is not the role of a man to do such things."  (In the Bible, it is not. It is the women's job to take care of the home and family and the male to take care of the job/finances.) That may be true, but would it not be good to give this matter some consideration?  On one occasion, when the faithful Abraham was visited by special messengers from Jehovah, he personally shared in the preparation and serving of a meal for the visitors. (Genesis 18:1-8)   (this was only because they were special messengers and he wanted to make sure  that they were treated special, but it was a rare occasion when a husband did that, unless their wives were dead and had no one else to do for them) The Bible counsels:  "Husbands ought to be loving their wives as their own bodies..." (Ephesians 5:28)  If, at the end of the day, the husband is tired and wants to rest, is it not likely that the wife feels the same way, perhaps more so? (1 Peter 3:7) Then, would it not be appropriate and loving for the husband to help out at home? -Philippians 2:3, 4.   

(It depends on the husband and wife; from what I have observed, there are some women that not only can't cook, but will not do anything around the house,no matter what.  Women should be made to learn to cook.  If i were a man i would not marry a woman who could not or would not cook or take care of the house.I am very old fashioned) 

Jesus is the best example of one who pleased God and brought happiness to his associates. Although he never married, Jesus is a good example for husbands, as well as for wives and children.  He said of himself:  "The Son of man came, not to be ministered to, but to minister," that is to serve others. (Matthew 20:28)  How delightful are those families in which all members cultivate such an attitude!

Next time: CLEANLINESS-WHY SO IMPORTANT? 

From the book: THE SECRET TO FAMILY HAPPINESS,1996