Week 303: 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 his/her relationship with God, spouse and children more than his/her 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 children’s disappointments without demonizing the workaholic parent