1 Timothy 5: 1-25
Tuesday, 13 September 2022
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the holy angels I solemnly call upon you to obey these instructions without showing any prejudice or favor to anyone in anything you do. -1 Timothy 5:21
To be a servant requires a mental shift. In our reading, Timothy, the servant of the Lord is instructed by Paul on certain church matters. God is more interested in why we do something than what we do; our attitudes count more than our achievements. We have an example in Caleb in whom God was pleased because of his better character and attitude (Numbers 14:24).
Servants in the Lord’s vineyard are charged with the responsibility to instruct the Lord’s church in accordance with the Lord’s desire in terms of respect for His people and human dignity. Concern, regard and respect for the Aged, Elderly and Widows formed part of the Lord’s desire for His servant called to serve His purpose. The servant of the Lord must encourage and instruct committed brothers and sisters to uphold the Lord’s desire of proper character development, behavior and respect for the elderly and widows. They must think more about others than about themselves. Real servants don’t try to use God for their purpose, they let God use them for His prpose.
In the Lord’s vineyard, not all who listen to the word of the Lord understand it in the same way. Take a look at the behaviour of the people of Israel as they were preparing to enter Canaan: there were many brothers and sisters that listened carefully to the words of the Lord from the mouth of Moses His servant, but they murmured and God was displeased with the people and they faced the consequences of their wrong behavior. Obeying instructions sent by the Lord through His servants puts His people in a better position in the mind of God. It is better to heed what God speaks through His servants so that our lives will be blessed in our obedience. Hebrews 13:17 reminds us: “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.”
Our Heavenly Father is very concerned about our behavior and respect we show for the elders. This is why He encouraged His servant to speak strongly on this matter and more seriously as mentioned in verses 19&20: “Do not listen to an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or more witnesses. Rebuke publicly all those who commit sins, so that the rest may be afraid.” We are to duly acknowledge those who faithfully serve in the church.
Paul also advices Timothy on the care of widows. Widows are not only to be taken care of, but to also to be encouraged to get on with the Lord in service and commitment, to live a life pleasing to the Lord. As they commit themselves to the Lord wholeheartedly, the situation of their welfare and well-being is taken care of by the Lord.
As servants of the Lord, it’s the Lord’s purpose must be at the center of all that we do and must encourage brothers and sisters to always think and work as servants and above all live as His voice to His people on earth for His glory and name sake.
Think on: “… in everything we do we show that we are God's servants by patiently enduring troubles, hardships, and difficulties.” (2 Corinthians 6:4)
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