Nugget for Church Life & True Fellowship with God and Man (II)
Learn to show piety at home – Who is a Christian, truly?
“If any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to show piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God”
1 Tim 5:4
How many nursing homes would be out of business if this command was followed more consistently by Christians?
While there are certain situations that may require special care that only a medical facility can provide, there are a host of people who simply sit neglected by their own children and descendants.
Paul tells Timothy, in no uncertain terms, that it is the responsibility of the children, or other descendents, of a widow to care for her needs themselves.
It is not acceptable to throw one’s parents, or grandparents, or great aunts and uncles, upon any other system or government, or even church, to fulfill what is our obligation.
Part of honoring our parents, Paul is clearly intimating, is caring for their personal and physical and financial needs as they grow older and weaker. There is no excuse for dereliction of this duty.
The fact that Paul commands us to learn to show this piety at home reveals the fact that it does not agree with our natural inclination, our inborn selfishness. Yet, the fact that it can be learned also reveals the unflinching responsibility that is ours.
You are not medically inclined? Learn to show piety and love at home. You are not personally wealthy? Learn to show piety anyway. You will have to sacrifice your own comforts and interests to care for this loved one? Learn to show piety at home
THE SPIRIT OF THE AGE IS SLOWLY CATCHING UP, EVEN TO THOSE WHO CLAIM TO BE BORN AGAIN AND SPIRIT FILLED!
2 Timothy 3:1-5 NLT
You should know this, Timothy (my son in the faith), that in the last days there will be very difficult times (PERILIOUS TIMES).
THE SPIRIT OF THE AGE –
SELF CENTERDNESS, SELF LOVE & SELF WORSHIP.
For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful.
They will consider nothing sacred.
They will be unloving and unforgiving (THOUGH THEY SHOUT IT WITH THIER MOUTHS); they will slander others and have NO SELF CONTROL.
They will be CRUEL and hate what is good.
They will BETRAY their FRIENDS, be RECKLESS, be PUFFED UP WITH PRIDE, and LOVE PLEASURE rather THAN GOD.
They will ACT RELIGIOUS, but they will reject the power that could make them godly.
STAY AWAY from people like that!
The Liteman T, to this generation!