“But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
– 1 Timothy 5:8
Paul has a high view of the family. He requires that unless a
man shows proven leadership in his home, he cannot be a public (church) leader.
He further says that unless a man is a responsible family member, he cannot be
possibly a church member (a Christian). In fact, he is worse than an
unbeliever. Does this not come as a rebuke to many of us? We want to be leaders
in the church or in society when we actually don't demonstrate a sense of
responsibility in our own homes. Some are often saints outside their homes and
devils in their homes.
The Christian instruction is that first and foremost, as an
individual, each of us must pursue personal sanctification. Unless we are
transformed by the Spirit to live a responsible life, how can we possibly help
others? And unless we are taking care of our own family members, how can any
outsider trust our message that we love them? Parents must bring up their
children to maturity – that includes their physical needs, education, life
skills, and instruction in righteousness and godliness. Children must grow up
in obedience, and they should learn to repay their parents when they grow old.
The issue is not about how much they can provide (quantity) or
the level of comfort they can give (quality). The issue is concerning the
responsibility and the priority one has for his household. Paul expects even
the unbelievers to follow this principle because God has written it on our
conscience and in the fabric of human society. Sure, a believer may identify
with other believers, but his responsibility towards his own family, even to
the unbelieving family members, does not decrease. Rather, a Christian has an
increasing responsibility not only to his household of blood but of faith too.
Are you having a good relationship with your family members?
Have you been neglecting your family (or your spouse) because of your work? Take
heed to the words of Apostle Paul. Would you please have a high view of the
family?