Whose Responsibility?

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Scripture

If any woman who is a believer has dependent widows, she must assist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are widows indeed.
(1 Timothy 5:16 NASB)

 

Observation

This epistle contains much practical advice for the function of the church, much of which can be contextualized and applied to us today. This particular verse reveals the place or role of responsibility which is placed upon the church. The church is to be responsible when there is no one else left in someone's life, however, if there is family around, or if the individual is capable of doing work and caring for themselves, this they must do!

 

Application


Taking responsibility, whether it's for one's own actions or for their own lives these days seems to be rather rare. We live in a society which shirks responsibility and is constantly looking for someone else to blame, or someone else to care for our needs. These principles are sound and they exist so that the "church" or the "system" is not overloaded. We all know that there is only so much that a local church can do in caring for the needs of those around them. The church wants to be able to reach out and meet the needs of the neediest but it's always a surprise when those who have been in the church for years and have children who can be of assistance are the loudest complainers when they feel the church has not done enough to help them -- because the church "owes" it to them. Really? Are we part of a church community for years so that we receive "paybacks" when the time comes?

The church is struggling these days to truly be the church. The resources are limited and when people almost "demand" certain services, then the church ceases to function as she should. This epistle said that if we become overburdened caring for those who have relatives who could care for them, then the church cannot assist those who are really in need! It's not about assisting those who have been a part of the church for a long time because we "owe" them -- but about assessing the needs and ministering to those with the greatest needs! It may be someone who has been a part of the church for a long time -- but it may not.

When people take responsibility as they should, then the church, and even society can function much better. However, when people become selfish and self-centered then things become out of balance. Those with the greatest needs become left-out because others take the resources. As followers of Christ we must be responsible and not work to overburden church or society when we are able to be responsible for ourselves. At the same time, we must be sensitive to care for the neediest.

 

Prayer


Lord, please help me to act responsibly, and care for the needy! Amen.

Comments

  1. AnonymousJune 23, 2012 at 5:53 AM

    Thanks, Carla, for these thoughts. The entitlement mentality is a tough one and pervades American culture. It's hard to check that at the front door of the church. Perhaps the family dynamics and advantages that come from small group ministry can help. When those who attend church plug into small groups, the others in the group can better discern the genuineness of a need, particularly if group meetings are held in group members' homes on a rotating basis. There's something about stepping inside someone's living space that is eye-opening, and you simply don't get that by going out to a restaurant or meeting outside homes.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Carla SunbergJune 23, 2012 at 7:59 AM

    Greg,

    Thanks, and I appreciate your thoughts on small-group ministry. Seriously, not too many homes are opened to others these days.

    Carla

    ReplyDelete

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