This morning I was led to 1 Timothy for my study in God’s Word. I am continuing to study the word “honor” and chapter six leads with instructions to the church that largely are related to that subject.
I am again reminded that God’s Word is constant. It is the same today as it was yesterday and will be tomorrow. He gave instructions to honor in the Ten Commandments (in Exodus) and then again we see His instruction to those who would lead the church (1 Timothy). He does not waver and is as true today as He was in those times.
“3Honor widows who are truly widows.” And, “17Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.” – 1 Timothy 5:3&17 (ESV)
Notice here that Paul reiterates the honor that is to be payed to those in the church. There are a lot of details in the instructions between and after these verses, and we should all take a look at them, study them, and work to understand them, but the verses themselves tell us where to begin. We are to honor those owed the payment as noted.
Instructions are there to be followed. When we make a purchase of something that needs to be put together, we follow the instructions to do so. We have become dependent on instructions from our GPS to get somewhere and we follow them almost without question. What better instructions to follow than those given by God. He is instructing us to honor and that is what we should do, almost without question.
I know, “almost without question”. That seems a bit vague and needs some clarification. Yes, “almost”. God’s Word is final and we can rely on the instructions that we are given. We should trust that what He is telling us is true. As Ronald Reagan used often, “Trust but verify”. It is good for us to ask questions to understand and clarify the instructions to ensure that we get it right. Carpenters are taught to measure twice and cut once to ensure that they get it right (something that I have learned the hard way a number of times). My role here as relates to God’s instruction is to follow. I can and should question to understand, but ultimately I am to follow.
God has given us instruction to honor those owed. It is my duty to do so. I am here to spread His gospel. I am here to obey. I am here to follow the instructions of the LORD.
What is your approach to instructions? Are you just throwing them aside as you go and look for things to turn out well? What if you took the instruction of the LORD as the constant that it is?
Trevor's Thoughts 