Week 219: Marriages and a Workaholic Spouse
Please
join us this week in praying for marriages 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 issues brought
about by a workaholic spouse are a low degree of spousal interaction, limited
emotional connection, an absence of sexual intimacy and insufficient opportunities
to enjoy common interests, all of which can lead to loneliness and isolation.
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, 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 relationship 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 a 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
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