The family problems so prevalent today have caused many people interested in a stable society to take for the causes of family breakdown. One cause that continues to show up is the working mother. This is not the only cause of family difficulties, but it is one that is frequently cited. Indianapolis judge, John L. Niblack, said, "One common cause of divorce is that the wife has a regular job outside the home. This breaks up her homekeeping and, in addition, makes her much more independent, as she has her own mcome." In another, but related area, Dr. R. M. Applebaum, a pediatrician from Miami, Fla., made this comment, "There are many legitimate reasons for a working mother-wife, but whatever the reason, the result is the weakening of the family unit." Dr. Applebaum's statement was made in an article concerning youthful rebellion and some of its causes. Others have spoken agreement to this, including Dr. Irving Markowitz, director of the Child Guidance Clinic of the Oranges and Maplewood, N.J.

Again we see the difficulties man encounters when he turns from the easily understood teaching of God. Paid wrote Titus that the younger women should be taught "to love their husbands, love their children, to be sober-minded, chaste, workers at home, kind, being in subjection to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed" (Titus 2:4,5). With 35 per cent or more of the mothers in this country with children under 18 now working outside the home, trouble is assured.

Even among God's people, who profess to live by the instructions of the New Testament, we find too many mothers forsaking their home duties to work in the world. Surely there are times when some mothers must help provide, but there are too many times when leaving the home for an outside job is prompted by a desire to obtain luxuries. These may shine brightly in our eyes now, but will be dull in the years ahead if we exchange a happy family unit for a mess of pottage. God's laws are designed to show man the best life for earth and heaven. We cannot turn from His instruction and sow to the wind without reaping the whirlwind.

TRUTH MAGAZINE, XV: 40, pp. 10-11
August 19, 1971