“11Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.” — 1 Timothy 3:11 (ESV)
This morning I was reminded of my duty to be faithful in all things as I read the passage containing the verse above. This passage in my ESV bible is titled: “Qualifications for Deacons”, however it is also qualifications that we should all have as a part of our daily lives with Christ.
A number of years ago we, Lori and I as well as our boys, were elected deacons of our church. And yes, I meant to say it was the four of us that were elected, as it is not a role solely for the patriarch of the family. Being a deacon is a role that is a part of the entire household and all in the house are responsible to be living for Christ. In the passage, and notice in the verse above, there are qualifications and direction specifically given for the wife of the deacon and the children have responsibilities as well, although not specifically addressed in this passage.
I have been studying the word “faithful” for the past few weeks and this morning I was reminded of the faithfulness to ALL THINGS that I have been charged with as a follower of Christ. It is not just in the things that are seen, but all things. It is not just those things in the church, it is all things. It is not just those things in my household, but all things. I am to be faithful to Christ in ALL THINGS.
Sitting here in my office all day it is easy to be less than faithful as no one sees or I have minimal direct impact on everyone all day long. I am alone and frankly can go hours without engaging with another person on occasion. Whereas that may be an opportunity to simply do as I please and not be concerned with anyone else, that is not the case at all. If anything, I have a greater responsibility to be sure to demonstrate my faithfulness even more. I have to be overt in my actions to be sure that others realize that I am there for them. I have to be outspoken enough that everyone I do contact knows that I am doing so for their benefit and not my own.
As a child of God, I have a duty to be and do ALL THINGS for Him. Looking at the qualifications for deacons, I have to apply those to myself and my family. I have to be sure that I am living for Christ in ALL THINGS. I have to be faithful to Him in ALL THINGS. The verse above indicates that wives are to be faithful in ALL THINGS, but that translates to me as well. I may not be a deacon of my church here in this world today, but I am a deacon in The Church and therefore I have a duty to meet and adhere to those qualifications of the election to that role that was bestowed on us as a family of God.
What things are you maybe less than faithful? Are you finding yourself in the position where you are looking for your qualifications? What if you were to take on the qualifications and directions of deacons in your life to begin your faithfulness in ALL THINGS?
Trevor's Thoughts 