1 Timothy 5

"Train yourself for godliness." That was the main point of the last chapter. Here in chapter 5, Paul expands on that same point as he lays out some specific instruction for the church. In verses 3-16, he talks about the conduct of widows and their children, particularly as it pertains to the care of those widows.

For the children, they are to show godliness by caring for their relatives, including widows (vs 4). This is pleasing to God, and indeed if one does not do this they are charged with abandoning the faith, and said to be worse than an unbeliever (vs 8).

For the widows, they are also to show godliness by having a reputation for being devoted to good works (vs 10). These women have given themselves in service to the church for years and so should be cared for by the church when they are genuinely in need. But widows who are instead idlers, going about from house to house spreading gossip, they are a burden to the church and in danger themselves of straying from the faith.

So what difference does this make to us? How about this: Whether you are giving care or receiving care, what matters most is your godliness. Right now you are probably in a position where you both give help to others and receive it. You probably receive help from teachers, coaches, parents, etc. Maybe you give help to younger siblings, neighbors, fellow students, etc. In all of these circumstances, carry yourself in a way that gives you a reputation for good works—train yourself for godliness.