[:en]SCRIPTURE: 1 TIMOTHY 5
“If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5:8)
“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain, and “The worker deserves his wages” (1 Timothy 5:17-18)
“Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that the others may take warning” ( 1 Timothy 5:19-20)
Paul gave instructions on how to treat the following kinds of people:
- Older Saints- Do not rebuke an older man harshly but exhort him as if he was your father. Treat older women as mothers.
- Younger Members – treat them as your brothers and sisters.
- Widow – The family members have the first responsibility to take care of their own widow so that the church will not be burdened. The widow that the church must support must be 60 years and above, without family care, a godly woman giving to praying and serving others and has a good testimony. Younger widows are advised to remarry, stay at home and raise godly families.
- Church Leaders – Sometimes church leaders are criticized for wrong reasons – minor imperfections, failure to meet someone’s expectation or personal clashes. That is why Paul said that accusation should not be heard unless 2 or 3 witnesses confirm them. However, if church leaders are at fault, they should be confronted and rebuked about their behavior. But all rebuke must be done fairly and lovingly for the purpose of restoration. Faithful church leaders should be supported and appreciated because they are worthy of double honor. Jesus and Paul emphasized the importance of supporting those who lead and teach. (Gal 6:6; Luke 10:7; 1 Cor. 9:4-10).
- Church members – We live in an unfair society that plays favorites. So, be constantly on guard against favoritism, giving some preferential treatment to some while ignoring others. Honor people for who they are in Christ, not for who they are in the world.
Do not be hasty in choosing church leaders. They must have the qualities mentioned in 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9. They should live a life that is above reproach before they can take leadership position.
Timothy had some health problems. Paul suggested him to drink some wine to aid his stomach. However his statement was not an invitation to over- indulgence or alcoholism.
LESSON:
The church has to recognize the needs and problems of the older believers and help them. They must be treated with kindness and respect.
Some people are using the church to prey on softhearted saints for handouts. The church must be careful not to misuse church fund by giing money to undeserved people. Church group and members must first consult with the spiritual leaders before doing charitable works. Never follow your emotion to have God’s money offered by faithful worshipers gone to waste. Let the relatives take care of their own needy family members so that the church will not be burdened. The church has to balance financial responsibility with generosity.
REFLECTION:
- Are you doing your part to meet the needs of those included in your family circle?
- How do you treat your church leaders? Are you finding fault or showing appreciation? Are your pastors adequately compensated?
- How do you choose your church leaders?
- Do you play favoritism at church?
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