Hey beautiful,
Can we have an honest conversation about something that’s been stirring in my heart? I keep seeing amazing women in our community getting swept up in multi-level marketing opportunities, and I think it’s time we talk about this openly and lovingly.
First, let me say this: if you’re currently involved in an MLM, I’m not here to shame you. I see your heart to provide for your family, to have more flexibility, to feel valued and accomplished. Those desires are beautiful and God-given.
But I also see too many precious women getting hurt, friendships strained, and families financially stressed. So let’s walk through this together with wisdom, grace, and some hard truths.
What MLMs Promise (And Why It Sounds So Good)
Multi-level marketing companies know exactly what to say to catch our hearts. They promise:
- Financial freedom while working from home
- Flexibility to be present for your kids
- Community and sisterhood with other women
- Personal growth and confidence building
- The chance to help others with products you “truly believe in”
And honestly? These aren’t bad desires. As Christian women, we want to be good stewards of our time and resources while caring for our families well.
The Reality Check We Need
Here’s where I need to share some uncomfortable truths, backed by research and countless real stories from women I know and love.
The Financial Reality According to the Federal Trade Commission, 99% of MLM participants lose money. Let that sink in for a moment. Studies consistently show that the average MLM participant earns less than $200 per year – before expenses.
The top 1% who do make significant money? They’re usually professional salespeople who got in very early, or they’re naturally gifted at recruitment and sales. Most of us regular moms don’t fit that profile, and that’s okay.
The Relationship Strain This one breaks my heart the most. I’ve watched beautiful friendships dissolve when every conversation becomes a sales pitch. When your sister-in-law starts seeing you as a potential customer rather than family. When coffee dates turn into “opportunity presentations.”
The Bible calls us to “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit” (Philippians 2:3). When we start viewing our relationships primarily through the lens of potential sales, we’re missing the mark.
The Time Investment Reality Those successful MLM stories you hear about? They require 40-60+ hour work weeks. The “work from your phone” promise often means being available 24/7, constantly posting on social media, attending virtual parties, and recruiting new team members.
Is that really the flexibility and family time you were hoping for?
But Let’s Be Fair: Some Potential Benefits
I want to be balanced here because there are some women who genuinely benefit from MLM involvement:
Community and Personal Growth Some companies do provide genuine encouragement, training, and sisterhood. If you’re naturally isolated as a stay-at-home mom, this can feel life-giving.
Product Access If you truly love and use the products anyway, getting them at a discount can be a small benefit.
Sales Skill Development Learning to present, communicate, and connect with people are valuable skills that can transfer to other opportunities.
Confidence Building Some women do find their voice and gain confidence through these experiences.
The Questions You Need to Ask Yourself
Before joining (or if you’re currently involved), prayerfully consider:
Financial Questions:
- Can I afford to lose the startup investment completely?
- Am I tracking actual profits (income minus ALL expenses, including products, gas, time, etc.)?
- Would this money be better invested in my family’s emergency fund or debt payoff?
Relationship Questions:
- Am I comfortable potentially straining friendships?
- Can I separate my relationships from my business goals?
- How will this affect my family time and energy?
Heart Check Questions:
- What am I really seeking? (Is it money, validation, community, purpose?)
- Are there other ways to meet those needs that align better with my values?
- Am I being fully honest about the time and effort required?
Better Alternatives for Christian Moms
If you’re looking for income, community, or purpose, consider these alternatives:
Flexible Income Options:
- Virtual assistant work
- Freelance writing or design
- Online tutoring
- Childcare for other families
- Selling crafts or services you genuinely enjoy
Community Building:
- Join or start a local moms’ group
- Get involved in church ministry
- Volunteer for causes you care about
- Take a class or join a hobby group
Personal Growth:
- Read books, listen to podcasts
- Take online courses in areas that interest you
- Start a blog or creative project
- Mentor younger women in your community
If You’re Already Involved
Sweet friend, if you’re reading this and feeling defensive or hurt because you’re currently in an MLM, please hear my heart. I’m not attacking you or your worth.
But I encourage you to:
Track your numbers honestly. Write down every expense and every dollar earned. Include your time at minimum wage rates.
Evaluate your relationships. Are you maintaining genuine friendships, or have most conversations become business-focused?
Check your family’s stress level. Is this adding peace or pressure to your household?
Pray about it. Ask God to give you wisdom and clarity about whether this is the right path for your season.
If you decide to step back, that’s not failure – that’s wisdom.
The Heart Behind the Warning
I share this because I love you, not because I want to crush dreams or judge choices. I’ve seen too many women hurt by promises that don’t deliver, and I believe we can do better for each other.
God has gifted each of us uniquely, and He has good works prepared in advance for us to walk in (Ephesians 2:10). Sometimes those works look like traditional jobs, sometimes like entrepreneurship, sometimes like full-time motherhood, and sometimes like volunteer ministry.
But they shouldn’t require us to strain our relationships, compromise our integrity, or risk our family’s financial stability.
Moving Forward with Wisdom
Whether you’re considering an MLM opportunity or currently involved in one, I encourage you to:
- Seek counsel from wise, unbiased mentors
- Research thoroughly (look beyond company materials)
- Pray for discernment
- Consider your family’s needs holistically
- Remember that your worth isn’t tied to your earning potential
You are fearfully and wonderfully made, mama. Your value doesn’t come from a sales ranking or monthly commission check. God sees your heart to provide and care well for your family, and He will guide you to opportunities that truly align with His best for you.
What questions are you wrestling with about MLMs or other opportunities? I’d love to support you in prayer as you seek God’s wisdom for your next steps.
With love and grace, Mish
If this resonated with you, please share it with other women who might need to hear these truths. Sometimes the most loving thing we can do is speak honestly about difficult topics.
