1st Timothy 5:1-10 (NLT)
Don’t correct an older man, but encourage him like he’s your father; treat younger men like your brothers, treat older women like your mother, and treat younger women like your sisters with appropriate respect.
Take care of widows who are truly needy. But
if a particular widow has children or grandchildren, they should first
learn to respect their own family and repay their parents, because this
pleases God. A widow who is truly needy and all alone puts her hope in God and keeps on going with requests and prayers, night and day. But a widow who tries to live a life of luxury is dead even while she is alive. Teach these things so that the families will be without fault. But
if someone doesn’t provide for their own family, and especially for a
member of their household, they have denied the faith. They are worse
than those who have no faith.
Put a widow on the list who is older than 60 years old and who was faithful to her husband. She should have a reputation for doing good: raising children, providing hospitality to strangers, washing the feet of the saints, helping those in distress, and dedicating herself to every kind of good thing.
S: 1 Timothy 5:10
She should have a reputation for doing good: raising children, providing hospitality to strangers, washing the feet of the saints, helping those in distress, and dedicating herself to every kind of good thing.
O: A godly woman should be known by her reputation. The kind that shows her faith in God. She should be upright in character. She should be known for her kindness, her good deeds. Much like is described in Proverbs 31:30-31 " Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Let her share in the results of her work; let her deeds praise her in the city gates."
A woman's looks and charm can quickly evaporate. But it is her reputation will stay with her for a long time. Believe me, I should know. I have done some things I'm not proud of, and it had become known throughout the church that I used to attend. It was my own doing. It's not something I can change. It's not something I can make people forget.
Our reputations are also a reflection of our families. People will gossip, even though God tells us it's a sin. It's human nature. Be a woman after God's own heart. Keep your eyes on the Lord. Let Him lead you. Your children and husband will follow in your example. And you will make your family and friends proud.
A: There's not much I can do now to fix my reputation. It is what it is. But I have a chance to start over. As my husband has reminded me, I am a reflection of him. I want to do things that are pleasing to God and to my husband. I need to remember that everything I do I need to do it for God's glory.
P: Lord, I ask You to guide my steps in my life. I need to be reminded that everything I do I should do for Your glory. I am to lead by Your example. I need to be of flawless character. I am Your child and the things I do should reflect that. Help me to keep my eyes on You and do things that bring You glory. In Your Holy Name I ask this. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment