One More Job Description

If you're a wife and mom, just add "gatekeeper" to your list of titles and job descriptions. So what is a gatekeeper? My Thesaurus lists sentry, monitor, guard, watchman and custodian as synonyms. (I don't know about you, but "custodian" is the one I immediately related to considering all the messes I clean in a day!)

We are definitely called to protect our children's safety - what friends they associate with, where we allow them to go; tv shows and movies we allow them to watch; making sure they're dressed appropriately and have the tools they need to succeed in life. (We pretty much do the same for our husbands when you think about it!)

A very critical aspect of our job as family gatekeepers is to filter the foods we allow into our homes. Our children in particular rely on us to be role models of good health by "walking the talk." We can't tell them they cannot drink soda and then down a half liter. We lose valuable credibility. A good rule of thumb for gatekeepers is - Don't ask them to do anything you are not already doing.

Another aspect of this position is to educate ourselves on natural health and nutrition so that we can make truly informed and wise decisions for ourselves and our families. Finally, we have to be the final word as to what we allow into our homes. This applies to screening out junk food, processed (fake) food, artificial sweeteners and any other substance that compromises, or out and out damages health. The mantra must be: If God didn't make it, we are not to put it in our bodies.

You are also the sentry, so to speak, of what is allowed in the environment of your home. If you allow fear, worry, anger, resentment, guilt, jealousy, greed and selfishness to come in, they will take over and pollute the entire atmosphere of your home. You have to strenuously guard the attitudes and spirits allowed to enter.

Speaking scriptures over your family as you move through your home is a great and powerful way. We set boundaries in our lives with our mouths. So this is a very easy and effective way to do just that. This will set great things in motion especially if you do it on a regular basis.

Playing praise and worship music or scripture CDs throughout the house is another great way. Blessing each room, window and door is another powerful way. I do this every New Year's Day. I anoint each window and doorpost, as well as the beds, tables and desks in the rooms, with oil and plead the Blood of Jesus over them declaring that nothing can enter that does not first pass through the Blood. If God allows it, He will use it for our good!

So fellow gatekeeper, carry on! You may not be recognized or fully appreciated for fulfilling your gatekeeping duties. But never doubt that God knows, and He is pleased with your efforts.