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weeding out the wrong widows

1 Timothy 5:9-16

1 Timothy 5:9 No widow is to be enrolled on the list for support unless she is at least sixty years old, has been the wife of one husband,

1 Timothy 5:10 and is well known for good achievements – that is, if she has brought up children, shown hospitality, washed the devotees’¹ feet, helped the afflicted, and devoted herself to every good work.

1 Timothy 5:11 But refuse to enroll younger widows, because when they are drawn away from Christ by desire, they want to marry

1 Timothy 5:12 and will receive condemnation because they have renounced their original pledge.

1 Timothy 5:13 At the same time, they also are discipled in being idle, going from house to house; they are not only idle, but are also gossips and busybodies, saying things they shouldn’t say.

1 Timothy 5:14 That is why I plan for younger women to marry, have children, manage their households, and give the adversary no opportunity to accuse us.

1 Timothy 5:15 You see, some have already turned away to follow Satan.

1 Timothy 5:16 If any believing woman has widows in her family, let her help them. Let the congregation not be burdened, so that it can help real widows.

weeding out the wrong widows

Some widows who had no livelihood or families to support them were tasked with a support and prayer ministry.  Paul instructs Timothy on who qualifies for that ministry and who does not (5:3-16).

People management is some of the messy work of missions, but it is very important.  In non-profit organizations, personnel decisions are crucial.  Volunteers may surface for a variety of reasons – not all of them legitimate.  Managing the mission requires insight into motives, and an awareness of potential problems.  Those tasked with mission or ministry management must also be careful that their own motives are pure, so that the LORD himself is not dishonored.

LORD, help us to make right decisions about the people who minister among us.  May we honor them and be careful not to dishonor you.

1ἅγιος