THE FAMILY-A Human Necessity

Proper View of Money

All members should also develop a proper view of money.  They should be ready to pool what they can to cover the family's common expenses.  Many women have to get a job to make ends meet, but you wives should be aware of the dangers and temptations you might encounter.  This world urges you to "fulfill" yourselves and to "do your own thing."  It may cause you to become independent and dissatisfied with your God-given role as a mother and homemaker. -Titus 2:4, 5.

If you mothers can be at home and be a guide and friend to your children, (but be a Parent first) it will certainly contribute greatly toward building strong bonds that will help keep your family together through thick and thin.  A woman can contribute outstandingly to making a home happy, secure and functional.  "It takes a hundred men to make an encampment, but one woman can make a home," said a 19th-century politician.

If all  in the family cooperate to live within the family's total income, it will spare the family many problems.  Couples should agree to keep life simple and to put spiritual interests first.  Children should learn contentment, not demanding things that the family budget cannot support.  Watch out for the desire of the eyes!  The temptation to buy things you cannot afford, getting into debt, has led many families into shipwreck.  It may be good for the family unity if all poor their funds for a joint undertaking-a refreshing  journey, some useful and enjoyable equipment for the home, or a contribution to support the Christian congregation.

Another form of  "contribution" to a  happy family spirit that all family members should pool is the sharing and cleaning and maintenance work-caring for the house, the garden,the car, and so forth.  Each family member, even the younger ones, could be assigned some part of a task.  You children, try not to waste your time.  Instead, develop a spirit of  helpfulness and cooperation; this will result in genuine friendship and companionship, which build family unity.

Next time: Value of Bible Education

Watchtower, 1998