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.