Heralds Digest

"..for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?". (1 Timothy 3:5 NKJV) Whether it regards the office of a bishop or that of a deacon, the home of a man of God is his first congregation and a testing ground for competence. The beginning of failure in every promising home is the subtle desire or wish for another man's wife or children, whenever the challenges at the home-front pushes beyond certain limits. Next to God who sees the heart of a man is the wife and children, who can attest to the sincerity of his message. Therefore, a man who cannot manage the challenges toward his approval at home righteously is not likely to secure the approval of God. A battle-less bishop is not blameless until he is fully tested at home.

"I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting." (1 Timothy 2:8 NKJV) The pursuit of relevance and respect, especially before the female folks, often drive men away from the potency of prayer. Although the world would tilt toward riches, heaven still count on righteousness as the only support for a prevailing prayer. In times of great provocation and seeming helplessness, holy hands can still hold heaven from breaking loose, if discouragement is not entertained. Irrespective of where we are, or were made to stand, it is how we stand that matters to God - unto whom our supplication comes.

"Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men." (1 Timothy 2:1 NKJV) Supplication goes for mercy, prayer for needs, intercession for reconciliation, and thanksgiving for blessing. However, it is easier for people in position of authority to attract little attention from most subjects during any petition before God. Many often deny the responsibility to support leaders in prayer, especially when the authorities exercised by leaders threatens the subjects' relevance. Since God ordains authority for organized human governance, unfair regulation of authority cannot relegate the human responsibility toward one another to the background. Even when the weight of authority over a prayer warrior seems unbearable, the responsibility to support the person in the position of authority becomes more reverend, relevant and relieving.

"Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith." (1 Timothy 1:5 NKJV) Although the making of an Apostle Paul from a little Timothy appears to be subject to an absolute adherence to the commandments of God, the willingness to surrender the heart to the working of the Spirit is the prerogative of the man. It implies that mutual co-operation between the man of a polluted heart and the holy word of God is required in order to achieve the divine purpose. Only a surrendered specimen is open to the tool of God's two-edge sword through the school of holiness, righteousness and faith.

"Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread." (2 Thessalonians 3:12 NKJV) Apart from being an essential fallout of the fall of man, work represents a divine order for responsible engagements. The reception of any free service offer makes sense as long as it does not be-cloud the anticipated responsibility behind the promotional offer. Unfortunately, the desire for free services often remove the dignity embedded in the divine work order. Whereas, nothing in life is absolutely free. Payment for services can only be postponed; it cannot be overwritten. The faster the standard of everyone's personal lifestyle balances his private work engagement, the quicker someone explores the divine blessings behind a responsible work ethics. Every orientation towards an idle free service from man represents a disoriented orderliness.

"Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ." (2 Thessalonians 3:5 NKJV) Hope built on the proven track record of human characters may appears reliable, until the reality of diverse self interests begin to pull the string within the heart out of order. It is always safer to acknowledge the fact that sustainable hope is possible, only if built on faith in the completeness of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and on the comfort of His presence in times of pain. Without a daily check on the status of the heart as regard this gracious alignment, the resultant misalignment of the heart can put the soul and spirit of man in jeopardy. Only a daily realigned heart is guaranteed a consistent fellowship of divine freshness.

"...that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ." (2 Thessalonians 1:12 NKJV) Heavenly glory besides, all earthly aspirations are intended to be rewarded with different coloration of glories, including material wealth, job promotion, professional accomplishment, business breakthrough, etc. With only self in mind for first service, even legitimate aspirations attract ugly consideration of the ultimate plan of God. Being satisfied with the consideration of God's glory, the Thessalonians explored the virtue of patience and faith in their persecutions and trials. Respect for the ingredient of time in all of God's appointments in life is not a misplacement of service. And our glories are best and securely served in God's first service.