"...first responsibility is to show godliness at home...This is something that pleases God." (1 Tim 5:4, NLT) When we are all gathered together in the church, it is hard to imagine that any of us is a sinner. It is difficult to believe that some of the people gathered in the church or fellowship are actually hypocrite - that some of them have secret sex partners, that some of them are alcoholics, smokers, thieves, etc. I mean, everybody looks so holy on Sunday and most times people mistake fooling other people for fooling God. The Bible says God cannot be fooled or deceived (Gal 6:7). Our christianity or salvation is not a Sunday ritual, it is a daily lifestyle. It is an on-going relationship between us and our beloved Saviour. It is a relationship that should consume our personality and overshadow us. .
When writing to Timothy, Paul highlighted the importance of godliness at home and at everywhere we may find ourselves. He says the first responsibility is to show godliness at home. Don't be an away christian, let your christianity be shown at home, in your neighbourhood and in your school and place of work. Some people are choristers in the church, but they have never for once sang in their school, or neighbourhood. Some are great prayer leaders in the church and that is where it all ends. Some are fondly called "pastor" in their churches because of their devotion to the things of God, but at home, in their street, school, business place, they are an entirely different person. Some people are great givers in the church, but their brothers, spouse, parents and even relatiions cannot get any help from them.
Paul said we should shun the away christian mentality. Let whatever you are in the church be carried home too. It is time to start showing some godliness at home and wherever you find yourself. It is the the first responsibily and morever it pleases God.
Prayer
Father, help me to bring my christianity home and carry it with me everywhere I go. Let my influence be felt both at home and away in Jesus name. Amen