By John A. Huffman, Jr.
III.
Word of Counsel Three: Face relational situations REALISTICALLY.
Paul concludes this great practical passage dealing with relationships with the straightforward statements I will simply make, and it is up to you to deal with as you feel led. These may very well be good topics to discuss in your covenant groups.
By now you have seen the progression of these three words I have chosen to summarize this passage: respect, responsibility, and realism. This is what I appreciate about the Old and New Testaments. God's Word calls us to loving respect of God and each other. God's Word calls us to a healthy sense of responsibility toward God and toward each other. At the same time, God's Word deals realistically with life. It does not weigh us down with a lot of burdens that no one person can fully assume. And it addressees just about every kind of situation we will face. But the realization is that most situations in life are not neat, but are messy, and we need to keep certain principles in mind as we face the messiness of life.
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Let me list some of these for you. It is then up to you to think about them, discuss them and act on them.
First, each person has responsibility for self. This theme winds its way all through this passage. Whether you are the seasoned veteran or the young person with creative new ideas, or the person disadvantaged somewhat, we all must bear responsibility for ourselves. This involves seeing ourselves in the larger picture of those around us, not selfish, egotistical, gossiping leaches on society.
The most impoverished in one area may be wealthy in another area. None of us are beyond the realm of taking some responsibility for ourselves and, in turn, for others.
Second, seasoned leadership deserves double honor. First Timothy 5:17 reads, "Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. . . ."
Tuesday evening I was privileged to be with the college group. We met in a home. I sat on a stool, surrounded by some 40 bright young college students. It was one of the most exciting evenings in my life, as I received from them their appreciation for St. Andrew's and the ministry we all are trying to have here. They expressed specifically their appreciation for my 40 years of ordained ministry and my willingness to share my 64 years of life experience with them.