INTRODUCTION

The Bible explicitly emphasizes the spiritual responsibility of providing for one’s family. Sometimes believers wrongfully distinguish between the ministry work and any so-called secular work, but both are accomplished scripturally and prayerfully to please the Lord. 1 Timothy 5:8But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
See All..., in the direct context, deals with the responsibilities of providing for a household member who is a widow; yet, the emphasis upon “those of his own house” broadens the scope. A man who fails or refuses to provide for the needs of his family has “denied the faith” and said to be “worse than an infidel.” That is certainly a stiff and stern rebuke. It remains the man’s responsibility to provide for his family regardless of how far societal norms move away from God’s precepts. This does not mean that the woman cannot assist in the provision (Proverbs 31:13-16 [13] She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. [14] She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. [15] She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. [16] She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
See All...) but that the responsibility still belongs to the man.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): God told Adam to work in the garden (Genesis 2:15And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.
  See All...). After Adam and Eve sinned, the responsibility to work still fell upon the man (Genesis 3:16-19 [16] Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. [17] And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; [18] Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; [19] In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
  See All...) but the work would be much harder. Genesis 3:19In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
  See All... was spoken to Adam although Eve would also be affected.
• (For everyone): Do you provide for your family? Do you see it as a spiritual responsibility given to you by the Lord? Do you labour so that your family can have what they need to serve the Lord?
• Do both the husband and wife in your home work? Is it because it is necessary, or is it so you can satisfy your desires beyond what is necessary? Are you willing to do what’s right, even if it costs you financially?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask the Lord to give good health and strength to your provider.
• Ask God to make your home an example of godliness.

HYMN

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