Finding the Right Balance

Have you noticed that the Bible can be pretty blunt? For example, “Teach these things so that the families will be without fault. But if someone doesn’t provide for their own family, and especially for a member of their household, they have denied the faith. They are worse than those who have no faith” (1 Timothy 5:7-8, CEB, emphasis added).

Now, that is harsh!

Let us step back and consider the context. Paul’s letters to Timothy are tutorials. Timothy, a young leader in the Church in Ephesus, needs coaching from an experienced mentor. In his letters to Timothy, Paul emphasizes the importance of building people with high moral character who put their faith before the riches of the world.

Had he taken a different approach, Paul could have said that people of faith always provide for their own family. A good lesson, but perhaps it does not carry the same punch. After all, there were plenty of unbelievers who also took care of their household. So, if Christians did not take care of their families, what does that say for them?

Make no mistake—God has shared His creation with us to demonstrate his commitment to us. We work, earn, and are rewarded for that work with sustenance for ourselves and our families. For those of us who wind up with more, we can care for more. Our family extends to our church and other ministries.

Finding the right balance between keeping what is needed for oneself, one’s family, and one’s favorite charities is why we work to achieve a lifestyle of giving.