Disclaimer: Christianity's biggest enemies are its followers. This doesn't mean that system isn't effective, it's just that Christians often have problems following its perfect instructions. On the issues that Bible addresses, I believe it is imperative that Christians and non-Christians should adhere. But does the Bible has something specifically to say about every topic?
Bread Winners
The Bible says that "he who does not provide for his family is worse than an unbeliever" 1 Timothy 5:8.Yet, the Bible does not specifically say exactly how that must be done. It is up to the family how they will function and if the wife can bring in more money and both have agreed for it to be this way, why should anyone disagree with a working model that another family has? I'll tell you why:
Pride!
If God has allowed a family to successfully function where the wife is the major bread winner and the husband either works for less or chooses to take on the nurturer role, I say praise God and let His name be exalted in that situation. Especially, if the man might not be able to secure a position that could cover the family's expenditures.
Now, I do have a bone with men who choose that role and it was not an agreed upon thing and he doesn't care to look for work when the wife is unable to provide.
Amen! Paul wrote that in Christ there is no male or female, slave or free. So long as the family nurtures each other and furthers the kingdom of God, its manner and methods will be blessed.
ReplyDeleteSo, how do we get this message to the rest of the morons who are lacking grace?
ReplyDeleteThat is the central question. So many Christian are handcuffed by dogma and/or tradition that they miss what I see as the vehicle of grace: "relationship." Being in relationship with God, being in relationship with our families and friends, being in relationship with our brothers & sisters in Christ. And being in positive relationship with unbelievers.
ReplyDeleteIt has always struck me that the focus of the Lord's prayer is about relationship. It starts with "Our Father" which sets the stage in two ways 1) God is not "my" father, but "our" father -- the father of a community joined in relationship with each other and God. 2) that God is defined as "father" -- a figure of leadership but in a close relationship molded through love.
But how to break through the barriers of pride, dogma and tradition (often constructed in the name of Christ) to expose the wonder of grace through God-centered relationships?? I was hoping that you would have the answer :-)