It is easy to forget the importance of the family when a man is trying to reach certain goals and accomplish certain things. But what must not be forgotten is that one of those accomplishments should include training his children in righteousness and loving his wife like Christ loved the church. I think we as men try to push aside this responsibility and ignore it because we have bought the world’s idea and belief that no reward comes from spending time at home with your family, but rather it is outside the home that all the rewards and accolades of life come. Therefore, the less time spent at home allows one to reach his goals sooner and have even grander goals.
This is a sad statement on Christian men. We have bought the world’s bag of goods and don’t even have the discernment to see that the goods aren’t very good.
I agree. In addition, Christian men seeking to serve God can be tempted to neglect their family in a way that does not stumble secular-minded men.
The harvest is plentiful; the laborers are few. Instead of praying to the Lord of the Harvest, I am tempted to take time reserved for my family. “They should understand; I am serving God,” I reason, and give what is not mine to sacrifice in the first place. “King David said to Ornan, ‘No, but I will surely buy it for the full price; for I will not take what is yours for the LORD, or offer a burnt offering which costs me nothing.'” My offense is greater than the worldly man. Not only do I ignore my family, but I offer stolen goods to God.
Good point. We “justify” our actions by thinking we are doing a worthy (more worthy?) action.
I agree, this is a difficult situation. For instance, last night my wife was upset and crying around midnight. On the one hand, it’s my duty and desire as her husband to listen to her worries and try to comfort her. On the other hand, it’s my duty as a provider to be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for work the next morning so that I can do my job well, so that we can continue to have food and shelter. I didn’t like mentally wrestling with “should I listen or ask if we can discuss it later”.
I stayed up to listen…but as you can see I’m not being terribly productive at work right now.
You made the right call! Family first! Even if a little dreariness the next day occurs. Because if a man’s relationship with his wife goes South, I can guess that his work will quickly deteriorate as his thoughts will be consumed with his issues at home.