Monday, August 25, 2008

The Ground


The pillar stands up straight and tall, in one particular spot, usually in prominence and majesty, but the ground is everywhere.

I Timothy was written, Paul said "...that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth."

It is striking how much of this behaviour detailed in I Timothy is not in the Sunday service, but in the community during the week and in one's family. Serving the church is not being there for services, but being there for people. It is not making the service run smoothly, but running smoothly with people in God's service.
You cover this ground when visiting people, when helping them in practical ways, by being hospitable.
The exemplary churchwoman (The New Testament Proverbs 31!) should be ..."Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work." This sort of woman cared for the church and in need was cared for by the church.

It's something to aim for!