1 Timothy 5:3-16

First, none of these rules still apply today. Our cultures, our technology, financial systems, social services and family dynamics have simply changed so much, that in the U.S. none of these rules have relevance. However, that does not mean we can choose to ignore these verses. Every single rule that Paul gave to Timothy concerning the treatment of widows by the church he grounded upon sound spiritual principles designed to maintain right relationships within the Christian fellowship. It is those underlying principles that we seek to understand and apply to the modern church.

When a Christian is alone and has no one to depend upon, they can trust God; they can place their hope in Him, and ask Him for help. God has a history of helping those who cannot help themselves. The church is the body of Christ alive and active in the world. The church should therefore act like God and help the helpless. It is not the church’s responsibility to do what others can and should do. However, it is our responsibility to do what we can do that no one else can. No one, especially the old, the young, the weak and the helpless should have to trust God to meet their needs when God trusts us to do it on his behalf.

It was tempting for young widows to view the church benefits list as an easy solution to their needs. However, widows on the list made a commitment to focus their life’s time, energy and resources to Christian worship and work. If they later married, they broke their vow to the church. Those without a strong mature character were tempted to become idle busybodies and thus they gave into sin. It is a principle that Christians should not make vows lightly. The short term easy way is seldom the right way. The church should not provide easy outs that lead to failure and sin. It is hard to say no to someone in need; sometimes “No” is right.