Week 23: Marriages and Workaholism

Please join us in praying this week for marriages that are dealing with the workaholic tendencies of a spouse.  A workaholic is often defined as one who works compulsively.  When a workaholic is in a marriage, his/her compulsive tendencies can create serious difficulties.  Examples of relational issues brought about by a workaholic spouse are a lower degree of spousal interaction, a decrease in emotional connection, an absence of sexual intimacy and lack of interest in anything except work.  It is no wonder the spouse of a workaholic can become convinced he/she is not cherished or valued by the work-driven spouse.  All needs, interests and dreams take second place to the workaholic’s job.  When children are involved in such a marriage relationship, stresses increase even more as the workaholic habitually misses significant events and family functions, leaving the spouse to be the children’s sole support and forcing the spouse to explain away the workaholic’s absence.  Finally, the very spiritual foundation of the marriage is undermined when the workaholic values his/her job over a vital relationship with God and forfeits his/her spiritual role in the marriage relationship.

Pray this week that couples dealing with the workaholic tendencies of a spouse will 

• Recognize the damage workaholic tendencies can do to a marriage
• Learn to value their relationships with God, their spouse and their children more than their job
• Seek help to break the stronghold of workaholic tendencies
• Be able to resist the false promises of an work-centered culture
• Know when and how to confront the workaholic spouse without blaming or demeaning
• Be wise in addressing their children’s disappointments without demonizing the workaholic parent