Observation
After encouraging Timothy to devote himself wholly to the Word of God and service to Christ (1 Timothy 4), Paul then outlines for Timothy how to treat others. Verses one through three talk about all four categories of people in the body; old men and women, and young men and women. Each distinct category requires a different method of communication. An older man you would treat with respect, using a little more reverence then you would when communicating with anyone else. A younger man you can be more direct with, talk with him like a brother. An older woman on the other hand should be treated gently like you would treat your mother, and a younger woman should be looked upon and treated as you would your sister; valuing her purity and innocence.
Application
As churches grow it can be very easy to handle the multitude of people and requests with corporate policies and procedures. However, Paul is very specific that the church is a family, all who are in the church should be treated as family, and the church should always remain a family. Having spent a lot of time in the corporate world, then adding to it my introverted nature, it is very easy for me to see and handle people through a corporate lens. These verses are a great reminder to stay diligent to the family of God and not corporate practices.
Prayer
Father, You know my weaknesses even better than I do. I praise You that Your grace is sufficient in my weakness. I ask that Your power be perfected in the weaknesses that I have in seeing people and situations through a corporate lens and trying to control uncomfortable situations in the family of God with processes and procedures. Thank You Lord for showing yourself off in these circumstances.
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