“8But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than and unbeliever.” – 1 Timothy 5:8 (ESV)
Our first priority should be, must be caring for and providing for our family. This is one that I think might be missing by and large in our society.
I have witnessed on a number of occasions, mom or dad with the best of clothing (name brands), flashy automobiles, pounds of jewelry, only to have their children, or relatives living in/with less considerable conditions.
Having a giving heart and sacrificing for yourself a bit would be much more in line with Paul’s instructions to the church in the verses of this passage. We should be exhausting ourselves in pursuit of providing for those closest to us first and then work outward.
I have to be clear here as when you read my words above, the wrong idea may come about. I am not saying that we are to completely deny ourselves. When there is a need, we should work within God’s plan to provide for that need. If we have satisfied the provision for those closest to us, then a little nicety for ourselves is ok. We just have to be careful and make sure that ALL of the needs for our family have been met prior to indulging in our wants.
When you look at yourself, are you seeing someone that is sacrificing for the good of the family around you? Are you giving up so that family can have? Are you looking to provide for family first?
Trevor's Thoughts 