Tuesday, October 20, 2020

Differentiating Rules and Solutions

Scripture: A widow who wants to become one of the special church workers should be at least sixty years old and have been married only once. ... So I think it is better for these younger widows to marry again and have children and take care of their own homes; then no one will be able to say anything against them. For I am afraid that some of them have already turned away from the church and been led astray by Satan. 1 Timothy 5:9,14-15

Observation: Paul provides Timothy with some guidance on the role and treatment of widows. He wants them to be cared for, but also in turn to serve the Lord by serving the church as well as respected and honored members. They are to have a special role. However, this has guidelines. They are to meet certain requirements (married once, good children, etc.).

Meanwhile, younger widows should remarry. Otherwise, Paul thinks that, due to their youth, they will have more energy and more friends, and thus become gossiping busy-bodies and thus garner negative reputations.

All of this is very clearly specific to the situations in Ephesus and Timothy's circumstances. It is not a commentary on all females in all history. The rules themselves have no bearing on God's laws (note the provision of being married only once, which really has no meaning in the context of God's laws). It would be impossible to interpret this passage as a definitive rule to be observed by the Church for all time.

Application: There are elements of Paul's letters that are designed to clarify the proper teachings of Jesus - and in turn the scriptures and laws and prophets - and other elements that are guidance for how to consider a circumstance or situation and apply Godly wisdom to it. In these cases, it is the prayerful application of spiritual guidance - and not the situational guidance itself - that is to be learned by us in the church.

God's precepts and laws provide instruction for my life. Paul's example of considering situational guidelines for personal circumstances should also be considered. These do not become universal rules ... they may only apply even to me.

I have a problem with pride. There are laws that apply to that. However, what other solutions could I apply to myself to help? I could ... pray before every business meeting to clear my mind and attitude ... or pause and ask clarifying questions before judging others' statement. These aren't laws or rules, but they could aid my circumstances.

Prayer: Lord, I desire your situational guidance to aid me, today and every day. Amen.

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