Lessons Learned

146 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from 1Ti 5:16 If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows. (1 Tim 5:16) This section on widowhood concludes with another reminder for family members to take care of their own rather than placing the financial burden on the church. Remember a widow strictly defined is anyone with some sort of deficiency, (financially, physically, etc.) of course, most notably one who has lost a spouse. The point is family ought to take care of family. This whole section on widowhood is something that individual congregations need to work out in accordance with Scripture, but even as it may seem a little confusing by today's customs and circumstances, there are some age old truths that we can garner from it. Let's list some of these things that we have read in the past several days: First of all it is good for children to honor their parents. (v4) It is vital to seek to remain close to Christ rather than seeking the pleasures of the world. (V5,6,11,12) Bearing children in God's gift of marriage is a good thing. (v10, 14) Hospitality is a good thing (v10) Serving in the local congregation is a good thing (v10) Sharing the burdens of the afflicted is a good thing. (v10) Idleness, gossip, and being a busybody are bad things. (v13) Managing a household is a good thing. (v14) Remarrying within the guidelines of God's Word is a good thing (v14) All these things good and bad can be missed if we get mired down in trying to figure out who qualifies for what and who is disqualified. It is as stated in Mic 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? God has shown us in this portion of Timothy some things that are good and some things that are bad. Pay attention to them, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God and you will do well.