We started the week with 1 Timothy 5:9-16 and it is a word for every woman. Verse 10 is both thought provoking and convicting:
“She must be well respected by everyone because of the good she has done. Has she brought up her children well? Has she been kind to strangers and served other believers humbly? Has she helped those who are in trouble? Has she always been ready to do good?” (NLT)
- be known for the good we have done
- show kindness to strangers and serve other believers humbly
- help those in trouble
- always be ready to do good
I’m not sure about each of you, but this is not always true of me.
Living this way is not for someday but is for now. Never have these qualities been more needed than in these days which we are living.
The study asks: Who do you know that has a reputation for good works? What is about these women do you admire?
“This week, be intentional in your good works – not only so you can have a good reputation, but more importantly so Jesus can.” (Lindsey Bell, Faithful Household of God, page 37)
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As we read 1 Timothy 6:1-10, we are pointed to the topic of false teachers.
I will admit – this is a topic that causes me great angst. I pray daily for discernment as I don’t want to fall prey to false teaching nor ever lead anyone astray because I have misunderstood Scripture.
False teachings will always abound and be around. We must remember that even those pastors, teachers, and writers we may love are capable of promoting false teaching as they, too, are human.
The study gave us some good questions to keep in mind:
“As you listen to them speak or read their words on paper, ask yourself, “Does what they are teaching align with the words of Jesus and with the overall message of the Bible? Do they seem to have a humble attitude? Do they seem content and generous? These questions can help us recognize a false teacher.” (Lindsey Bell, Faithful Household of God, page 28)
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Week 3 came to a close with reading 1 Timothy 6:17-21 and some thoughts on money.
There are many varied opinions on money, and equally as many courses on what to do with our money. Not one of us handles our money in exactly the same way.
But one thing is true for us all – God desires for us to be wise with what He has given us, be it little or much.
“Money has the potential to lead us astray … But, it also has the potential to do a lot of good. The factor that makes all the difference is the heart of the one who holds the cash.” (Lindsey Bell, Faithful Household of God, page 45)
So the question truly is not, “How much money does one have?” but rather, “What is the condition of your heart?”
No matter where we may be financially, may we tend to our hearts and become people who “do good”, “are rich in good works”, “are generous”, and “are ready to share with others”.
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Be intentional –
in what we do,
in whom we listen,
in where we give our efforts.
Photo 1: by Rodion Kutsaev on Unsplash
Photo 2: by Arthur Miranda on Unsplash
Photo 3: by Michael Longmire on Unsplash
Today I am joining …
To be intentional and to be wise with what we have been given, great teaching.#TellHisStory #8
Oh, this is good, Joanne. I was reminded of the warning: If you aim at nothing you will hit it every time.
I am reminded to pray daily for discernment (in many areas…but especially sorting through all the “truth” we hear) and for the wisdom to take advantage of the days I am given! Thank you for the reminder –
I’m afraid I don’t meet up with everything in 1 Timothy 5:10, either. And it strikes me how much of it is practical and interactive.
The emphasis on false teachers is so needed, too. We don’t always think about doctrine when we read Scripture–we often just want comfort and affirmation. But so many of the epistles–so much of the whole Bible–warns us against false teachers. It’s wise to take heed.
In reading through a few of the epistles in recent weeks, I have been reminded anew of their practicality and the need for application. May we live wisely in these days we find ourselves. Blessings!