Written ~ 08-19-2023
1 Timothy 5:24-25
“Remember, the sins of some people are obvious, leading them to certain judgement. But there are others whose sins will not be revealed until later. In the same way, the good deeds of some people are obvious. And the good deeds done in secret will some day come to light.”
The entire chapter of 1 Timothy 5 speaks about the treatment of the elderly in the church, the importance of specifically chosen leadership and bringing sin to light very quickly.
We each have a role in serving the Lord within the body of Christ, the church. But how we treat the elderly and widows is a duty all of us have, we have a responsibility to take care of their need. When we choose the leadership of the church it needs to be done with great care, a decision should not be made quickly and because of their preaching and teaching they need to be compensated for their hard work. If someone in leadership is being accused of wrongdoing there must be two or three witnesses before they can be judged. Verse 5:20 says,
“Those who sin should be reprimanded in front of the whole church; this will serve as a strong warning to others.”
After all the instructions from verses 1 Timothy 5:1-23, we are brought to the message in verses 5:24-25, what do they mean for us today? Verse 5:24 in the Message (MSG) says,
“The sins of some people are blatant and march them right into court. The sins of others don’t show up until much later.”
Some of the wrongdoing people can get themselves into is quite obvious, it’s cause for serious consequence and should be dealt with quickly. Some people though, can get away with things much more stealthily, it may be their sin is inward. Our Almighty God, who knows all things and knows our hearts inside and out will deal with those sins Himself.
Verse 5:25 in the Message (MSG) says,
“The same with good deeds. Some you see right off, but none are hidden forever.”
Some people have the opportunity to serve the Lord in a more public manner. Their contribution to the church is much more obvious. Leadership roles have a higher tendency to be seen, the good that’s being done through teaching the Word of God, evangelism, speaking the truth of Jesus Christ boldly. While others are much more private, their giving is done anonymously. They give from a pure heart, to further the Kingdom of God without anyone else knowing, it’s their way. God knows this heart as well! He will reward them just as the one who speaks with boldness. Whether you are one of those people who speak the Word of God with boldness or you share from your heart privately, it shouldn’t give any of us reason to judge which is better than the other. God knows. He rewards.
When you and I go about our business, each day looks a little different. But our attitude should remain the same. We are serving the Lord in everything we do. Small acts of kindness go a long way to making someone feel special, noticed and above all loved. We may think our small gesture is minor, but to the other person it may mean the world. We may never know. But God sees those things, He knows the intention of our hearts. But He also sees the rushed, impatience we have. Getting upset when someone cuts us off so we can’t get to our destination 3 seconds faster. Getting annoyed when someone who doesn’t do what we expect them to do. Popping off some sarcastic “joke” not knowing we absolutely crushed someone else’s spirit. God sees this too, He knows the condition of our hearts. It’s a good idea to remind ourselves of verse 5:24 again,
“…the sin of some are obvious,…but others will be revealed later…”
Let’s be mindful. Sin that is blatant will get the attention of those around us and the consequences, the discipline will be handed out swiftly. But if we are holding onto ungodly thoughts, an evil tendency within our spirit, God is going to be the one to do the discipline and hand out the consequence. So eventually, when we sin, what we may think is “big or small,” all of it is sin and will be dealt with.
Also keep in mind those good things we do to further the Kingdom of God need to be done with pure intention, God sees all. We shouldn’t only do good deeds just so other people can see what we’re doing, so we can receive great accolades. It’s also a good idea to remind ourselves of verse 5:25 again,
“…good deeds from some are obvious,…good deeds done in secret will someday come to light…”
Let’s focus our attention on serving the Lord with a pure heart, help those in need, care for the elderly. Pay close attention to the intention of our hearts. Sin done in secret doesn’t mean you’re getting away with something. Doing a good deed in secret doesn’t mean you won’t be rewarded.
Thank You Father for knowing the intentions of my heart. Thank You for the discipline when I need it the most and thank you for the reward when my intention is used for good. I’m thankful You know my heart inside and out. Help me to serve You with my whole heart, not just when people are looking. I love You Lord and I want to give You all my honor and glory in everything I do.
~AMEN~