3:14 I hope to come to you quickly. But I’m writing these things to you so that 15 if I’m delayed, you’ll know how you should behave in God’s household. It is the church of the living God and the backbone and support of the truth. 16 Without question, the mystery of godliness is great: he was revealed as a human, declared righteous by the Spirit, seen by angels, preached throughout the nations, believed in around the world, and taken up in glory.
4:1 The Spirit clearly says that in latter times some people will turn away from the faith. They will pay attention to spirits that deceive and to the teaching of demons. 2 They will be controlled by the pretense of lying, and their own consciences will be seared. 3 They will prohibit marriage and eating foods that God created—and he intended them to be accepted with thanksgiving by those who are faithful and have come to know the truth. 4 Everything that has been created by God is good, and nothing that is received with thanksgiving should be rejected. 5 These things are made holy by God’s word and prayer.
Reflection
First Timothy is the first of the “Pastoral Letters” written by the Apostle Paul to guide his delegates, like Timothy, who have been left to “pastor” churches. Throughout 1 Timothy, Paul addresses the character of Christian leaders and emphasizes the church’s critical role in shaping the moral and spiritual life of the community.
In today’s passage, Paul describes the church as “the backbone and support of the truth.” This powerful image reminds us that the church is not simply a gathering place—it is the living household of God, designed to uphold and embody divine truth in a world full of confusion and deception.
Paul also warns Timothy that some will turn away from the faith, deceived by false teachings and hollow traditions. These people will forbid what God has created to be received with gratitude—such as marriage or certain foods. But Paul reminds us that “everything God created is good” and that, when received with thanksgiving, these things are made holy through God’s Word and prayer.
This verse stood out to me today. We live in a world that is increasingly divided by fear, ideology, and misunderstanding. Our culture often encourages an “us vs. them” mentality: if someone looks different, believes differently, or comes from a different background, they’re often seen as a threat or “other.” But when we read Paul’s words, we’re reminded that God’s creation is inherently good—and that includes people and experiences that may be unfamiliar to us.
Instead of reacting with fear, judgment, or dismissal, we are called to respond with curiosity, humility, and discernment. When we encounter differences—cultural, theological, or personal—are we willing to pause and ask God for wisdom? Are we open to the possibility that God is present in places and people we least expect?
As followers of Jesus, we are called to be stewards of grace, not gatekeepers of truth. Let us seek God’s guidance as we learn to love what God has made and recognize the holiness in the world around us—even in what challenges or stretches us.
by Manny Estevez
For Pondering and Prayer
Where do you see the “us vs. them” mindset showing up in your life or in society?
When you encounter someone or something different from what you’re used to, do you automatically reject it—or do you ask God for wisdom and discernment?
Prayer: Unifying and loving God, we ask for your wisdom, grace, and peace as we navigate a divided and complex world. Help us to see with your eyes, to discern with your Spirit, and to love with your heart. Teach us to recognize what you have made holy, and to live as true ambassadors of your kingdom—rooted in truth, shaped by grace, and led by love. In the holy and loving name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
