Fear of Outsiders – Need for Community
God’s Household

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:14-15

Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

So far this week we have established that every society feels the need for community. The God who made us knew that long before the anthropologist came up with that information. You and I need to feel connected to others with common interests and faith. We glean strength and encouragement from each other. The old saying, “There is safety in numbers” finds its truth in this universal fear and resulting need!

In our scripture today, the Apostle Paul refers to the community of believers as the “household of God” and the “church of the living God.” Household is a term that indicates family, unity and safety. In our households we all are blessed if we experience close family ties, unity and peace, as well as a safe atmosphere. So, it is in God’s church, it was created to form a household for God’s family which is unified and protected by God’s Holy Spirit.

Notice that the apostle is instructing young Timothy on “how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household.” In other words, even in these early years of God’s church, some were not conducting themselves properly. All of us have probably witnessed this – people acting and talking in a way that destroys the unity in God’s household. You and I must reverence God’s household to the degree that we make every effort to keep the unity, peace and loving atmosphere that God intended for all of us to enjoy.

Father, help me not to take my church for granted. Remind me, often, that it is indeed your household. In Jesus’ Name, amen.