Topic(s):  Family, Home, Marriage

Todd Clippard & Allen Webster

There is one primary principle that is important to remember—the principle of providing for one’s own family. First Timothy 5:8 says, “But if any man provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith and is worse than an infidel.”

Many of the great men of the Bible had to spend time away from their families. The Law of Moses provided a second opportunity to observe the Passover for those who were away on a journey afar off (Numbers 9:10-11), perhaps on business. In Acts 16:11-14, Lydia was in Philippi, yet her home was Thyatira, a long way off. Those in the military had to spend extended periods of time away from their families (Deuteronomy 24:5; 2 Samuel 11:1-13), and such remains the case today. Those who worked as shepherds often left their families in order to lead their sheep to pasture (Luke 2:8). Those who served as sailors were often separated from their families for lengthy periods of time (Acts 27:6-8, 33).

All of these jobs are still in existence today, and various other jobs require separation from family (truck drivers, missionaries, etc). Therefore, it is not inherently wrong to be separated from one's family if that is what is necessary to provide for them.

On the other hand, in order to have a strong marriage, time must be spent together (1 Peter 3:7). A husband should “rejoice with the wife of his youth” (Proverbs 5:15-18). In the interest of “pleasing his wife” (cf. 1 Corinthians 7:33) a man in such a position would benefit himself and his family if he could find a job that did not require extended separation (cf. Deuteronomy 24:5).