Honoring Others–Esp. in Our Own Family

Text: 1 Timothy 5:1-8
Theme: We must show honor to everyone who deserves it.
Key verses: “Respect an elderly man. Don’t speak to him sharply; appeal to him as you would a father. Treat younger men as brothers, elderly women as mothers, and younger women as sisters in all purity. Honor widows, but be discerning about which ones are truly widows. If any widow has children or grandchildren, then…teach them that it is their spiritual responsibility to care for their own family…” (v. 1-4a) “…if someone is not providing for his own relatives and especially his own household, then he is denying the faitth and is worse off than an unbeliever” (v. 8).
What God said to me: Dwayne, look around you. Behold what a beautiful day I have given you. Listen to the birds sing in surround sound, HD quality. Know you are blessed and loved and honored and favored today. You are my child. I love it when you meet with me in this quiet place. You’re a rich man–albeit undeserving and far from perfect. Humble yourself under my mighty hand. Still your soul and listen to my voice right now. Think of the elderly men you know at church and in your community. Are you honoring them. What about the younger men? How are you encouraging them as you would you own brother? Widows are especially dear to me. How are you helping them? What are your thoughts and motives toward young women? Do you really see them as sisters to help? Or do you look lustfully on them as objects of your gratification? I know and see your thoughts. I know your motives better than you do. I accept nothing less than purity from you and unconditional love. You take good care of your widowed mom and your mother-in-law. I can’t tell you how important they are to me. You honor them and I will honor you beyond belief. Teach others to do the same, both through your example and your words.
What I said to God: Father God in heaven, You have placed eternity in our hearts. We are made in Your image to show forth Your glory and walk in purity. Thank You for reminding me of Your love for me this morning. I know that as I honor and care for others, You will always take care of me and my family. Help me not seek filthy lucre. I do not desire to be rich and famous. But I do want to take good care of my family and leave them in great financial shape when I’m gone. I trust You to help me do that.