The Examined Life IV

So as we follow the concentric circles outward from the my relationship with God, it leads to my wife, my children and then the fourth circle. The fourth circle can be controversial, but my fourth circle is work.

Why not church, ministry, evangelism, or so many other areas? One verse struck home for me: But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. (1 Timothy 5:8)

That is a very strong statement. After I have dedicated my best to God, to leading my wife and children, I need to give my best to work for the purpose of providing for my family. Can this get out of balance and I am spending too much focus on work, or materialism, on ambitious goals? It usually does. But that does not mean that we skip or minimize this 'call'. Yes, I am saying that 1 Timothy 5:8 is a call - a call to excellence at work and to providing for my family in the best way that I am capable.

So here's to working hard for the glory of God.