CHAPTER FOUR: How Can You Manage a Household?

"The scene of this world is changing."  ( 1 Corinthians 7:31) Those words were written over 1,900 years ago, and how true they are today!  Things are changing, especially with regard to family life. What was viewed as normal or traditional 40 or 50 years ago is often not acceptable today. Because of this, successfully managing a household can present enormous challenges.  Nevertheless, if Scriptural counsel is heeded, you can meet those challenges.

LIVE WITHIN YOUR MEANS

Today many people are no longer satisfied with a simple, family-oriented life. As the commercial world products more and more products and uses its advertising skills try to entice the public, millions of father and mothers spend long hours at work so that they can buy  these products.  Other millions face a day-to-day struggle  just to put some food on the table.  They have to spend far more time at work than used to be the case, perhaps holding down two jobs, simply to pay for necessities. Yet, others would happy to find a job, since unemployment is a widespread problem. Yes, life is not always easy for the modern family, but Bible principles can help families to make the best of the situation. 

The apostle Paul experiences economic pressures. In handling them, he learned a valuable lesson, which he explains in his letter to his friend Timothy.  Paul writes: "We have brought nothing into the world, and neither can we take anything out. So, having sustenance and covering, we shall be content with these things." (1 Timothy 6:7, 8)  True, a family needs more than just food and clothing. It also needs somewhere to live.  The children need an education. And there are medical bills and other expenses. Still, the principle of Paul's word applies. If we are content to satisfy our needs rather than indulge our wants, life will be easier.

Next time: CHAPTER FOUR:  How Can You  Manage a Household?/Conclusion of LIVE WITHIN YOUR MEANS

From the book:The Secret of FAMILY HAPPINESS