Today's Passage:  I Timothy 5

There is no question that the New Testament church is charged to take care of the needs of the community.  We see as early as Acts 2 that the church came together so that anyone who had need would be assisted.  The church was charged with taking care of the widows and orphans...in fact, one of the first church disputes happens over the different care for the Greek and Jewish widows. 

In this passage, however, Paul speaks to the individual believer.  He stresses the importance of caring for our families as they get older and places that responsibility first on the believer.  Children and grandchildren please the Lord when they honor those who have given so much for their success.  On the flip side, Paul says that someone who neglects this duty is "worse than an unbeliever."

This passage makes us think of our earthly family...and rightfully so.  But on a different level, this passage makes me think of my relationship with my Heavenly Father.  God has given everything for our success, and as His child, it is my duty and blessing to honor His name and bring glory to Him.  As much as I love to please my earthly father, how much more should I long to please my Heavenly one!

Spend some time today thanking God for the blessings of family.  Most importantly, thank Him for being included in the eternal family as well.