Do Women Have a Viable Outlet for Their Talents?

Background on My Interest in Cal Newport's Writing

In my vocation as a meteorologist, I have benefitted over the past decade from reading multiple books by Cal Newport, a Georgetown University Computer Science professor that is a best-selling author for his books on the topic of productivity. Digital Minimalism, Deep Work, and A World without Email are among his many book titles related to the subject. While he does not profess to be a Christian, I have found portions of these books helpful in my work life.

Therefore, I was interested when Newport's most recent book, Slow Productivity, was released a few weeks ago. I listened to the audiobook which focuses on moving away from the ever-increasing pace of modern knowledge workers to a slower, more methodical, more concentrated focus on producing good work. Newport argues that for many knowledge workers, slowing down can help increase our productivity. Many of his insights would be wise to consider.

Stopped in My Tracks

However, rather than writing a book review, I wanted to describe something that caught my attention while listening to the book. Newport describes the life of Benjamin Franklin, an early American that is well known for getting lots of things done. Toward the end of describing Franklin's ability to increase his productivity through taking tasks off his plate, Newport included a footnote about a book that offered "a sobering critical take on the specific circumstances and privileges required to support Benjamin Franklin's rise.” Specifically, Newport recommended Jill Lepore's 2013 - Book of Ages: The Life and Opinions of Jane Franklin. The quote that had me skip back 30 seconds and listen again is as follows:

"Lepore details how Benjamin Franklin's sister Jane shared a similar intelligence and ambition to her famous brother, but due to the demands on women of that class in that time (Jane raised 12 children!), had no viable outlet for her talents." — Slow Productivity, footnote on page 82.

Notice the final sentence. No viable outlet for her talents. I was dumbfounded. It was at this moment that contrasting worldviews collided, and it felt like the author was almost speaking in another language! I audibly yelled at my car stereo.

The Glorious Gain of a Godly Wife

I would encourage you to deny the myth that a woman, raising children in her home, is somehow in a helpless position with no viable outlet for her talents.

The Bible would indicate that Jane's 12 children ARE a (if not the) viable outlet for her talents.

First, the Bible is clear that children are a reward to their parents,

Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: And the fruit of the womb is his reward. Psalm 127:3

Second, the ideal Biblical model is for mothers to manage the household while their husbands are working to provide for it.

That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. Titus 2:4–5

Third, part of the "keeping of home" involves teaching their children, regardless of whether this involves homeschooling or not.

My son, hear the instruction of thy father, And forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, And chains about thy neck. Proverbs 1:8–9

The first thing that a woman should be seeking to teach her child is the value of God, the need for salvation, and walking a life worthy of a holy calling. This is summarized in teaching them the Word of God.

And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7

While there are many other "viable outlets" the Christian woman has in the home outside of raising her children, I would argue that it is where she can have the most influence.

Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety. 1 Timothy 2:15

No doubt this verse has left many people scratching their heads. What does it tell us? While I recognize that I am not going to solve all the debate on this verse in this short blog post, I believe that at least in part, this verse indicates that part of the honor that a woman has is when she helps raise Godly children. Why might this be?

Let’s remember why God created mankind:

I will say to the north, Give up; And to the south, Keep not back: Bring my sons from far, And my daughters from the ends of the earth; Even every one that is called by my name: For I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him. Isaiah 43:6–7

We recognize that our ultimate destiny should be to bring God glory. If a mother, who (in most homes) spends more time with the children than her husband, is intimately involved with their care and can be the primary instructor for their education, instructs them in the ways of God leading to their salvation, she has wielded more power than any CEO, politician, or celebrity. She has accomplished (by God’s grace) a MOST honorable work.

The world offers a host of false "viable outlets" for the woman today. The worldview of humanistic relativism brings with it the supposed need for equity for all things between genders (even gender itself). Those with this worldview frequently look down on the woman who leaves college or graduate school to raise her children at home, as if the world lost something from her doing this. "She could have done so much more.” What higher calling is there than bringing God glory? And what more glory can a woman bring God than by obeying Him, using the glorious opportunity God has given her to point His children towards a Savior, and then living for the glory of His name.

While there is certainly nothing wrong with women having jobs and providing for their family (see the Proverbs 31 woman), every child that God gives her is a "viable outlet" that can bring her joy and bring God glory when she follows God's commands.

The views expressed in this opinion piece are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent those of The Reason Together Podcast.