The Early Working Years
The early working years are often taken up with building a career, raising children, buying a house, paying bills and trying to get ahead. This is where priorities most easily get confused. Work matters, and providing for a family matters. But work must never become the god of the household.
What Scripture Says
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” (Colossians 3:23)
“For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Matthew 16:26)
“Honor the LORD with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase.” (Proverbs 3:9)
Practical Advice
Work hard and become dependable. Learn your trade or profession well.
Give to the Lord first, not from whatever is left over.
Build savings. Start planning for retirement earlier than you think you need to. Time is one of the greatest advantages in saving.
Keep insurance that fits your family's needs.
Make a will, and keep important records where someone else can find them.
Go to the ball game and sit at the dinner table. Listen to your children, and spend time alone with your spouse.
Guard the Lord's Day. A schedule that has no room for God will eventually have no room for anything else that matters.
Careers can be rebuilt. Childhood cannot be repeated.
From My Own Life
This part is still being written.
A Question to Think About
If your children described your priorities by watching how you spend your time, what would they say?
The lesson for this season: Make a living, but do not become so busy making a living that you forget to live.
Go deeper: Class 5 – At Some Point Things Changed · Class 6 – There Is Time