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  Eric Dishongh, PhD (504-606-1267)
  • Welcome
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    Eric Dishongh, PhD

    Connecting others to Jesus and His church as a husband, dad, minister, counselor, professor and friend

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Labor Day, War Room & Making More Money

9/7/2015

 
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In an attempt to “try to be cool,” I thought it would be a great idea to have a “Labor Day Lock-in” last night for the Hickory Knoll church youth group (I’m currently reliving my youth minister days as I’m “holding down the fort” until a new youth minister arrives- whoever you are, please get here soon!).

Lock-ins always seem to go smoother (and quicker) when there’s some type of evening activity to break up the monotony of being in a church building all night. I had heard about a Christian movie just released called War Room. I didn’t know anything about it except that it would be youth group friendly and that it would take up two hours of lock-in time!


I won’t share all the details or ruin the ending (I highly recommend the movie- go see it!), but the movie is basically about a marriage trying to get back on track.

There’s one line that has been resonating with me. It’s a thought that has helped me. It’s a thought that will hopefully help you as well. It’s a thought that’s relevant for this Labor Day holiday.

While reflecting on her crumbling marriage and her husband’s big time salary, the wife says, “I’d rather have a good marriage than more money.”

Let that “lock-in” for a few moments.

Labor Day is a time that we take a break from all our hard work. It’s a day to rest and reflect on how thankful we are for our jobs. Although we definitely need to work and provide for our families, there is a possibility that we are more focused on making more money than we are providing for our families.

Making more money is not a bad thing. That’s what all the financial experts say to do, especially when you’re trying to get out of debt and one day retire. I’m by no means thinking about the people doing the best they can to make ends meet, to put the food on the table, and to pay the bills.

I’m thinking about the people who work so much that they don’t have time for their families. Not because they’re trying to provide for them, rather because they don’t want to be around them. It’s as if they’d rather to have more money than a good marriage.

The Bible says, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (I Timothy 6:10).

The Bible also says, “Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband” (Ephesians 5:33).  

When a husband and a wife love and respect each other, they will have a good marriage- regardless of what kind of jobs they have and regardless of how much or little money they make.

So, enjoy your day off. You’ve worked hard. You deserve it.

More importantly, though, enjoy your spouse. And enjoy your family. They deserve it.

Let’s not be so “locked-in” to making more money that we lose our marriage and children along the way!

My life purpose is to connect people to Jesus and His church by providing a Christian example and by reaching out on spiritual, relational, academic, and community levels.



14 Comments
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kirk musselman
9/7/2015 07:39:49 am

Eric, a very good message. I hope you have some rest before you take on your own family. Thank YOU for work in the Lord.

Reply
Leonard White
9/7/2015 08:33:02 am

I enjoyed reading this. Looking forward to more

Reply
Steve Diggs
9/7/2015 08:53:51 am

Thanks for your thoughts. Appreciate them. How're you doing?

Reply
Tommy Walker
9/7/2015 09:28:32 am

Great article Eric I always enjoy reading them. I wish I was off of work for Labor Day today.

Reply
Carolyn Shepherd
9/7/2015 09:59:18 am

Thanks, Eric. We all need to love our spouse as God loved us... All else will follow....Family is Priceless and our God is Awesome.

Reply
Lori Tassin
9/7/2015 10:02:22 am

Great insight, as always. Thank you for all you do for our church family and youth. Thank you for filling the gap while we search for a youth minister.

Reply
Jan Dyer
9/7/2015 10:59:08 am

We took a group of 24 to see War Room. We too, loved the comment if rather having a good marriage than more money. But, what we all agreed with, was the importance of a relationship w/ God and the power of prayer continually!!

Reply
Eugene
9/7/2015 11:32:54 am

Bro Dishong: Thanks for the spiritual encouragement. May God continue to bless you and your family.

Reply
Ryan
9/7/2015 03:25:21 pm

Excellent point! Sometimes what we think will help our lives actually hurts it.

Reply
Joey Bove
9/7/2015 10:48:27 pm

Hi Eric,
I endeavor to give unto Caesar, the things of this world, that are his. The riches I endure for, are not of this world. Responsibility to the Lord, and to family, should not be sacrificed in pursuit of worldly wealth. Not to change the subject, but have you read "Muscle and a Shovel?"

Reply
Joanne
9/8/2015 06:16:31 am

Amen!

Reply
Sheila Beaty
9/19/2015 08:01:11 pm

Hi Dr. D. I am ridiculously late in reading the Labor Day article, but better late than never reading it at all! In my practice I see a lot of low energy causing poor relationships. I'm not sure how many of us are pursuing more money and how many of us are just giving our very best to our employers and having very little gas in the tank when we get home. Would love to read your thoughts on this situation.

Reply
Robin Begue
9/21/2015 05:52:47 pm

Money does not buy happiness. Having enough money to pay bills, save for the future, and maybe enjoy a day out, is all the money you need. Quality time with family, even just sitting home, builds strong relationships among families and spouses, and does not require money. Being able to share things with each other can be more rewarding than money. Take time with your children, just being there, it can make a difference in their sense of belonging.

Reply
Eric Dishongh
9/25/2015 02:50:39 pm

Thank you, everyone, for your comments!

Reply



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my life purpose is to connect others to jesus and his church by providing a Christian example and by reaching out on spiritual, relational, academic, and community levels.

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