Risky Businesses

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her.

Ephesians 5:25, HCSB

DOES YOUR JOB AFFECT YOUR MARRIAGE? Many men would answer in the affirmative. Whether they involve long hours or high stress, careers can naturally spill over into our personal lives. When Michael Aamodt published a study that broke down the divorce rates of 449 occupations, he created more questions than he answered. Why do dancers divorce so frequently, especially compared to engineers? Why do optometrists have the lowest divorce rate? Do they just see things more clearly?

The answer could be that certain careers attract certain personality types. Or maybe some jobs are filled with marital pitfalls. Working late hours in a bar could naturally detract from marital bliss.

No matter what career choice you’ve made, commit to working on your marriage with the same (or more) dedication you put into your job. Any relationship takes effort. And your marriage is your most important earthly relationship.

In Ephesians 5:25, the apostle Paul encourages husbands to “love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her” (HCSB). Jesus showed His love for the church by giving everything. We have to be willing to do the same. Our wives must feel loved—not only by our words, but also through our actions. Give the time and effort at home that earns you a promotion that really matters.

BOTTOM LINE

Any job can lead to divorce if you put it above your relationship with your wife. Show your wife the love she needs.

Moment of Strength: 1 Peter 3:7