Work First, House Later

Lately, I find myself gravitating to scriptures that talk about divine order. This morning I spent time meditating on Proverbs 24:27 (NIV) Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house.

This scripture really speaks to me because I have such a big desire for a new house. The house we currently live in is just not me and I've never felt like this was our final destination. I could go on and on about the things that bother me about this house, but that would only breed discontent so I'll leave that topic and get back to the scripture.

Why is it important to finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready before you build the house? The fields represent your means of income. Before you tackle a major expense like a new house you want your fields planted and producing or you won't be able to afford that house or the family that will live in it with you. The house might be built, but the family within might be starving or so financially strapped that they are going under. And don't we see this happening all over America right now?

(Put first things first.) Prepare your work outside and get it ready for yourself in the field; and afterward build your house and establish a home. Proverbs 24:27 (Amplified)

I always counsel my son to get his education behind him and get established in his career/ministry before taking a wife. Whether he follows that counsel or not is up to him, but it will make his life easier if he gets his fields ready before taking on all that additional responsibility.

Recently, my husband ran into a young woman who grew up in our former church. She opted not to take the route of divine order and had three children out of wedlock. Does that mean God doesn't love her? No. Does it mean we shouldn't love her? No. But it does mean that she has made life considerably harder for herself and for those three children that didn't have a choice in the matter.

Develop your business first before building your house. Proverbs 24:27 (Living)

As much as I want a new house I know that my first objective is to continue to build my writing business. All of my creative energy has to focus that direction right now. When I finally walk in the door of that new house I'll be extremely glad that I developed my business first.

Prepare thine work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house. Proverbs 24:27 (King James)

Just like I tell my son to prepare his fields first, I tell my daughter the same. I know a lot of people would disagree with me because they think women should only prepare to be homemakers, but I don't find my stance in conflict with scripture. Even the Proverbs 31 woman was a business woman.

I'm awfully glad that I went to nursing school before I got married or had kids. When the kids arrived and we needed a little income boost I was able to work only when I wanted to work, set my own hours, and work as little as 4 hours at a time.

Also, when I was much younger I thought that as long as you prayed and married the right Christian man everything always worked out. That was until I saw my dear friend, a stay-at-home mom, go through tremendous heartbreak when her husband- a pastor- walked out on her and the kids. She had no education or skills to prepare her to become the family breadwinner. Thankfully, she had enough spiritual fortitude and gumption to make it through college while working three jobs and being a single mom. But it was still very hard on her and even harder on the kids. I wish I could say she was the only person I know who was put in that position, but I've known many.

First plant your fields, then build your barn. Proverbs 24:27 (The Message)

Why do you need a barn if you don't have anything to put in it? If you plant the fields first they will be out there producing so you can then concentrate on the barn or house. It's hard to have your focus in too many directions at once. If you're trying to go to school, start a marriage, raise a child all at the same time, it's tough and something will get the short end of the stick. Even if you decide to change directions and start a new business after having a house and kids, it's still tough. Trust me, I know!

I have no idea how to end this topic except to keep things in the correct order and simply say, "The end."