READING: 1 Kings 9, 2 Chronicles 8, 1 Timothy 5
As Christ-followers, we must take care of our families. We must provide for them, protect them, and lead them. We must meet their needs and teach them to do the same for others. So serious is this call to take care of our families that Paul said, “But if anyone does not provide for his own family, especially for his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Tim 5:8). While the context of Paul’s words was a discussion about providing for needy people (particularly, widows in need), the implication is the same for all of us: we cannot separate our care for our family from our walk with God.
Apparently, even the non-believers in Paul’s day generally took care of their needy family members—and the apostle expected believers to surely do more than the pagans did. After all, believers had something the non-believers didn’t have: the indwelling of the Spirit and the powerful, undying love of Christ they could share with others. That love should lead us to sacrifice for and care for those around us.
May the Lord help us today to see the needs around us, hear the cries of those we love, prioritize their care, and honor God.
PRAYER: “God, turn my eyes and ears to my family today.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Weekend is for catch-up and review
MONDAY’S READING: 1 Kings 10-11, 2 Chronicles 9, 1 Timothy 6