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TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. 1 Timothy 5:4

Read: 1 Timothy 5:3-8
Listen: 1 Timothy 5

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Paul ties work to a person’s spiritual life. It’s like working to provide should be a part of Following Jesus 101. Paul says those who provide for their families please God. It pleases the heart of God because it reflects the heart of God. Through the work of Jesus on the cross, God has provided a way for sins to be forgiven and a restored relationship with God. Through the cross, God invites broken people into his family and provides for them. Just like a parent is pleased when a child does something right, God is pleased when his children care for their family members who are in need.

Our culture tells us to think of work as a way to earn more money so we can buy more stuff or pay for fun experiences. We work so we can play. We may even permit ourselves to work less when we have enough to play. But a more biblical view sees work as a way to provide. To provide first for ourselves, then for our family and extended family. It’s not primarily work for fun—it is work to provide. It’s not that God doesn’t want us to enjoy life. But following Jesus requires a shift in thinking about where we actually find true life. As Jesus-followers, we’re also called to help those in our church community. We use our skills and resources to seek ways to creatively help others around us provide for themselves.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Think about your view of work and money. Ask God to help you see whether your view of work and money comes from our culture or God’s word. Thank God for providing for you through Jesus’s death on the cross.

2023 SPIRITUAL PRACTICES

Join us all of 2023 developing a different spiritual practice each month. SPIRITUAL PRACTICES are intentional regular activities to deepen our relationship with God and mold us to be more like Jesus.

August is PRAYER. Keep track of our spiritual practices at beyondtheweekend.org/spiritualpractices.

Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.