Do you care for your family?Today's Scripture:
Whoever does not care for his own relatives, especially his own family members, has turned against the faith and is worse than someone who does not believe in God.
1 Timothy 5:8
Paul gave advice to the young pastor Timothy on how to help organize and maintain a vital, God-honoring church. One area Paul discussed was meeting the needs of others. It seems that some members of the congregation were giving their time, energy, and resources to the church but neglecting the needs of their own families. Paul addressed this problem to help the people at Ephesus set their priorities straight. I share them with us today.
The truth behind his words can help do the same for you and for me as your pastor. Paul's warning is clear-cut and to the point: anyone who turns his back on his own family turns his back on God. It's true that in biblical times, there were no government-run social programs to help widows, orphans, and women who had been left impoverished after their husbands divorced them. Today, people in similar situations have places to turn for help. But that doesn't alleviate the responsibility God gives each person in providing for those in his or her own family.
Selah people' and friends providing entails more than financial responsibility. Supporting your parents, spouse, and children emotionally is equally important. When God previously commanded his children to love one another, he obviously meant that to include their own family circle. Use Paul's words as a reminder to regularly ask for God's guidance in knowing how to care for the people whom he has placed closest to you. Use Paul's words to better meet both apparent needs as well as needs that aren't so apparent.
"Even people who don't believe in God have an innate drive to care for their family. Certainly God's children should love at least that well."
Your pastor,
Rev Patrick Muston
Selah Christian Church Four Oaks, NC
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