While physical training reaps great rewards, training yourself to be godly reaps way better benefits; see 1 Timothy 4:7b-8. Your life will be enhanced in ways you never imagined when you take the time for your spiritual fitness. If you have to choose between jogging or studying the Bible, pick the latter one. Let God give you time for your exercising. He knows what your body needs way more than you do. He is all about the total package; body, mind, and spirit.
In His instruction book for living, God shows you how to live your life with Jesus. In 1 Timothy 5:1-6:2, you learn how God’s Church should be living out godly faith. If the church lived this way, the world would stop and take notice. People would want to know what were doing and desire to be a part of it. God’s love would be oozing out of His children and making a difference in this dark world.
So, what does life look like for a believer in Christ?
First, it matters how you speak to others.
Everyone, even if not related by blood, should be treated with respect. God created the family unit, and He loves it. So much so, that a believer is to treat his elders like they are his parents, and treat those younger than him as his siblings. There are 8+ billion people on this earth. Every person is to be treated in this fashion. God’s Church should be of one mind and purpose while loving those who already believe and helping unbelievers to become Jesus followers.
In the Bible, widows have a special place in God’s heart. Back in Jesus’ day, women didn’t work and support themselves. When a wife lost her husband, she was left vulnerable. God gave instructions to make sure a widow was taken care of. It is to come from the church. In this passage, if a widow has children and grandchildren, they are to take care of them. It is their job to show godliness to their mother/grandmother. A widow with no children or family is truly alone. The church is to step in.
Second, it matters how you treat others.
A believer is to care for his relatives, especially in his own household. If you disregard this, you have denied the true faith. Paul says you are worse than an unbeliever; see verse 8. In your church, if there are widows who are age 60 or older, show them respect. Younger widows have the opportunity to remarry. Notice from verses 10-15 how a widow is to act. Women are to live a certain way that is pleasing to God. What dangers do you see if a believer doesn’t live in a holy manner?
If in your family, you have a widow, God says to take care of them so the church doesn’t have to. This way, the church can help those women who are truly alone. God’s instructions for living are in place where everyone is helped. No one is left behind or forgotten.
Within the church, you have leaders. They are called elders. They help serve the congregation with the pastor(s). They are called by God to do their work well. They are called to preach and teach. Give to them what they deserve. They are men that serve the Lord. The church is to keep them held accountable so they stay focused on the Lord.
This is serious stuff. Paul commands believers to obey what he is saying. Remain impartial and fair like Jesus does in affairs with others. What do you learn from verses 22-23? Why would these be important for believers? How about the first two verses in chapter 6, how else are you to act?
Verses 24-25 are important to remember. They help in living out what God is asking of His children. “Remember, the sins of some people are obvious, leading them to certain judgment. But there are others whose sins will not be revealed until later. In the same way, the good deeds of some people are obvious. And the good deeds done in secret will someday come to light.”
God is in control and He knows who are truly His children and who are not. Live purposefully for the Lord and don’t let anything distract you from it. It matters how you choose to live. Be the hands and feet of Jesus and live differently from the world.
Carol J German 