Worship Inspires Service

We Worship God
A Guide for Worship Leaders:
Worship Inspires Service

1 Timothy 5:1-8, 5:17-22 (The Message)

The Family of Faith

 ^1-2Don't be harsh or impatient with an older man. Talk to him as you would your own father, and to the younger men as your brothers. Reverently honor an older woman as you would your mother, and the younger women as sisters. ^3-8Take care of widows who are destitute. If a widow has family members to take care of her, let them learn that religion begins at their own doorstep and that they should pay back with gratitude some of what they have received. This pleases God immensely. You can tell a legitimate widow by the way she has put all her hope in God, praying to him constantly for the needs of others as well as her own. But a widow who exploits people's emotions and pocketbooks—well, there's nothing to her. Tell these things to the people so that they will do the right thing in their extended family. Anyone who neglects to care for family members in need repudiates the faith. That's worse than refusing to believe in the first place.
 ^17-18Give a bonus to leaders who do a good job, especially the ones who work hard at preaching and teaching. Scripture tells us, "Don't muzzle a working ox" and "A worker deserves his pay."
 ¹⁹Don't listen to a complaint against a leader that isn't backed up by two or three responsible witnesses.
 ²⁰If anyone falls into sin, call that person on the carpet. Those who are inclined that way will know right off they can't get by with it.
 ^21-23God and Jesus and angels all back me up in these instructions. Carry them out without favoritism, without taking sides. Don't appoint people to church leadership positions too hastily. If a person is involved in some serious sins, you don't want to become an unwitting accomplice. In any event, keep a close check on yourself. And don't worry too much about what the critics will say. Go ahead and drink a little wine, for instance; it's good for your digestion, good medicine for what ails you.

For Reflection
Not all who request assistance are in need of assistance.  But for those who are truly in need, give freely.  Jumping to hasty conclusions and listening with out question rumors of misdeeds leads to sin.  Not acknowledging good work is rude and counter productive.  Enjoy life, even a little wine.  Some will fall to sin.  Help them up.

Pray
that you will listen to God's guidance to live an honorable and admirable life.  Pray that you will guide others to dot he same.