August 8
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1 TIMOTHY 5
Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity. 3 Honor widows who are truly widows. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. 5 She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day, 6 but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives. 7 Command these things as well, so that they may be without reproach. 8 But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. – 1 Timothy 5:1-8
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1 TIMOTHY 5 SELF-INDULGENCE LEADS TO DEATH
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
When we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, we follow his path
God is love and all who know him know how to love
To live a life of peace, let’s follow the order that God has made
Let us honor those who have authority over us.
Do not reprimand someone older than you
But encourage them for that’s honoring to God
Do not only be concerned with your own interests only
But be genuinely interested in other’s lives and concerns.
Look out to bless others especially orphans and widows
When you do, you alleviate their isolation and adversities
Provide help and relief especially for your family members
If you don’t, you are even worse than unbelievers.
When you are serving your own interest, your god is yourself
The natural self doesn’t bow down to God, it adores only the self
If you indulge in pleasuring your own lusts and desires
It will lead to your death and you’ll forfeit your eternal life.
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REFLECTION
• How can self-indulgence lead to death?