Women and work: Multiple choices
Work: Beyond the paycheck, part 3 of 4
Pastor Vince DiPaola
” There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them.” Ecclesiastes 3:1&5)
“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.” (Proverbs 31:10)
I. The four seasons of women & work
Single: The most personal & professional freedom
Married: earning to share yourself with your spouse
Married w/kids: Learning to divide your time wisely
Single w/kids: Learning to balance multiple demands
II. The important questions on work
The virtuous woman of Proverbs 31:10–31
1. Will my spouse receive the right amount of affection?
“Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life… her husband also [calls her blessed],and he praises her.” (Proverbs 31:11–12 &28b, NIV)
2. Will my kids obtain the right amount of attention?
“She has no fear of winter for her household, for she has made warm clothes for all of them…Her children arise and call her blessed…” (Prov.31:21&28a, LB&NIV)
3. Will my talents realize the right amount of activization?
“She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.” (Pr.31:17)
Her many jobs: Crafts (v13), Produce (v14), Real estate (v16), Trade (v18), Seamstress (v19), Business (v24)
“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue.” (Prov.31: 25–26,NIV)
4. Will my home get the right amount of provision?
“She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family.She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” (Proverbs 31:15&27, NIV)
5. Will God receive the right amount of devotion?
“Charm is deceptive and beauty disappears, but a women who honors the Lord should be praised Give her credit for all she does. She deserves the respect of everyone. ” (Proverbs 31:30–31, TEV)
III. The decisional questions on work
Q. Is working at home as important as working outside home?
A. Yes! (Colossians 3:23)
Q. How much should I work outside home?
A. How much does your family need you? (Prov. 31:10-31)
Q. How much should I invest in a “market–place” career?
A. What season of life are you in? (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
Q. Where can I find strength when work wears me out?
A. Find it from the God who understands!
“Come to me, all of you who are tired of carrying heavy loads, and will give you rest “ (Matthew 11:28, TEV)