Christian Service
But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest
to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living
God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
1 Timothy 3:15
Read 1 Timothy 3
Everyone has a place within their congregation. Much has already been
written about the relationship between men and women. Following the Reformed
tradition, the offices within the church are only open to men of the
congregation. There is clear biblical support for this view. However, this
does not take away the fact that there is much activity in church life where
women may also be involved. They can especially be engaged in the aspects
involving physical and emotional care inside and outside the congregation.
Our passage today confronts us with demands particularly for the elders
and deacons of the congregation. As they are faced with the various responsibilities
attached to their offices, every office bearer should, after reading
this chapter, lift up the silent prayer: Lord, make it true in my life, and give
me the grace I need to live in a godly way.
But why does God’s Word give all these prescriptions? Because we are dealing
with the orderly functioning of God’s house. We must give them our
utmost attention. God the Father gave everything when He sent His only
begotten Son into the world. That’s how our Scripture passage also ends:
God manifest in the flesh.
Although you may not be an office bearer, this passage still has a message
for you. You are a member of a local church, which requires you to live a
certain lifestyle. When attending church, you do not wear the same clothing
as when you work in the garden or go to the beach. Your attitude in church
also reveals whether your heart is involved or if you are just physically present
and nothing more. Church attendance is a serious activity!
Thought: Have you ever asked the Lord what He demands from you as a
member of the church?
Psalter 113:1,2 (based on Psalm 41)
How blessed the man who thoughtfully The poor and weak befriends;
Deliverance in the evil day To him Jehovah sends.
The Lord will keep him, guard his life, On earth he shall be blessed;
The Lord will not surrender him By foes to be distressed.
