Be a man!

1 Timothy 5:8
But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

How many of us out there could say that we wholeheartedly agree with this verse? I’m sure the hands are up right now. It’s the right thing to do, that is, taking care of and providing for your family. If you are a man (as defined by the stereotypical definition used by society for years; sorry, empowered women of 2012), then act like one! Times are tough; get a job. Oh, I’m sorry, there isn’t one available in the field you studied in college? Too bad, find a job elsewhere! It’s your responsibility as a MAN!

Wow! That was pretty harsh, right? But truthfully, that’s how a lot of us believe. I know that I’ve said similar statements in my days to those listed above, but that doesn’t make them right. Before I go on, let me emphatically state that I believe we (men) do have a responsibility to provide for our families. This responsibility is to be fulfilled regardless of our feelings; it’s what is right and acceptable. And, for those of you who enjoy having rules and requirements by which to judge your status and that of others, it gives you something to achieve.

But I don’t want to talk about us. I don’t want to give you another lesson in how to be a good person. It’s become plainly obvious to me that the more lessons we’re given on how to be good, to do right, the worse we all act. No, what I want is to put this verse into a Jesus perspective.

When we become Christians we become part of the family of Christ. We, the church, become married to Christ, through grace. As his dearly beloved, wedded bride, we also are adopted children of God (Romans 8:17). As God’s children, let’s reanalyze this verse in the light of who Christ is, what Christ has done, and who we have become through Him.

When you read the Bible and put it in perspective, that is, stop making it about you and begin to see that it’s all about Him, you’ll realize some hidden faith-builders in the verses. Instead of reading about the man in our worldly relationships and putting yourself in the picture, think about God in this verse.

We have a problem in the Christian church: we don’t have a good opinion of God! We expect more from a mere mortal man, a sinner at that, than we do from the Perfect Creator! It’s sad but true. We have bad things happen and think it’s God. We have lack and think that it’s God. We have sickness and failing health and think that it’s God. But if it was God, then He Himself would have violated His own scripture. He would have denied the faith.

This verse isn’t a requirement for men (although literally that’s what it appears to be); it’s a promise from God! This verse is stating that God will provide for you. As Husband and Father it is His duty to provide. If He doesn’t provide, He is worse than one who doesn’t believe in Him. (That’s a little confusing.)

Am I saying that God owes us? Certainly not. If your child confidently expects that you’re going to provide food, drink, shelter, and other needs as well as birthday presents, Christmas presents, Easter baskets, and Halloween candy, does that make him or her an entitle-ist? Why, then, does it make the Christian an entitle-ist when he or she has the same confident expectation of security and blessing from God?

This is a simple truth that Jesus iterated over and over in His ministry: don’t worry, I’ve got it (Matthew 6:25-32)! How many times does Jesus say “Fear not.”? (I’ll tell you: in the KJV, fear not appears 74 times and be not afraid appears 29 times)? Once we grab hold of and fully accept this good opinion of who God is and what He has done for us, we’ll begin to reap the full benefits of His grace in our lives. It’s not about us; it’s always all about Him.