Work and Family

   Men work to provide for their families but what happens when work collides with family?

   Most men would never say that their work is more important than their family but does that play out when you look at their actions? What fills the daily, weekly and monthly calendar, work appointments or family time? Finding the balance is important. If work is neglected there may well be a consequence. If family is neglected there will be consequences as well. Which consequences do you see as having the highest priority?

   This quote is in the book “Choosing to Cheat” by Andy Stanley, “Contentment is found neither in the marketplace nor in family alone. It is found when we align our priorities with His as it relates to both areas of responsibility. There is nothing honoring to God about the workaholic who neglects his or her family.”

  Many men find their worth and value in the job that they have or the position that they hold and work long hours to protect the job and move up on the ladder. Here is an idea to consider; there are many, many people who can do your job at work. If you leave, they will find a replacement. However, God gave you your family and nobody can fill that position better then the man He chose to fill it!

For many the issue may be contentment. Are you content in what you have? In where you are? In Philippians 4 Paul talks about being content. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. ¹² I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. ¹³I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Let’s check our contentment meter. If discontent is driving to work more and neglect your family, spend some time with God and talk about and talk to the guys that you are close to, you will find some answers.

Failure is not an option…

Failure is not an option, it is inevitable. I hate to burst that bubble for you but its true. This manhood deal is tough and we are not going to nail it 100% of the time. So get used to it, failure happens in life.

Psalm 37:23-24 says;  The steps of a man are established by the Lord, And He delights in his way. 24 When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, Because the Lord is the One who holds his hand. (NASB)

It doesn’t say IF he falls but WHEN. We should gain comfort and encouragement from these verses. We should see the wisdom as well. Knowing that your are not going to ‘never fail’ is a relief and we need to recognize that.