As a stay-at-home mom, I find myself cleaning more than ever before. Of course, I cleaned before I became a mom, but some days it feels as if that’s all I do now. Once my daughter finishes a meal, I clean the high chair, wash dishes, put them in the dishwasher, start a load of laundry, fold clothes, pick up toys, change her crib sheets, load and unload the dishwasher, sweep up crumbs from said meal—and the list goes on. If I’m not careful, I can start to look at each of these tasks as mundane and unimportant, like I’m not making a difference.
I came across a question in my daily journal I was working through, and it asked how I viewed housework. To be honest, my first thought was: boring, tiresome, and repetitive. But then it went deeper and asked me to view it as a ministry. I definitely had never thought of housework as a form of ministry before. It was just something I did—tasks that needed to be done to keep the house in order and not looking like a pigsty. I quickly realized that maybe my perspective needed some work in this area.
I read many articles about this topic, and it really has shifted my view on daily household chores. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” If we complete our tasks with the right heart and mindset, it shifts our view of them. We are no longer just washing dishes and picking up after our family—we are serving them and serving God.
So how can we begin to view our housework as servant work? We can have an attitude of gratitude.
“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.” (Colossians 3:23–24 NLT)
Our home should also be a place of refuge and safety for our families. In the work we do in the home, we are creating a place of peace and harmony—if we do it with the right heart. It is also to be seen as an act of hospitality, which is so important as a follower of Jesus.
“When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.” (Romans 12:13)
“Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it.” (Hebrews 13:2)
So the next time you catch yourself grumbling about washing another bottle, folding clothes, or picking up one more Lego piece, stop and thank God for the family you have to pick up after. Thank Him for the home you have to provide. See it as imaging God for our families in everything that we do.
“Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.” (Ephesians 4:23–24 NLT)
