IN writing to his son in the faith Timothy, concerning the purpose of his first Epistle, the Apostle Paul declared, "These things write i unto thee that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the ecclesia of the living God, the pillar and ground of the Truth." There is much in the Apostle's instruction of especial interest and importance to sisters.

¾

In most ecclesias, sisters are numerically stronger than brethren, and this fact in itself emphasises the influence for good or ill which they exert. The Apostles frequently reminded Timothy of the power of example - "Take heed unto thyself." This precept, when applied to sisters in the ecclesia, is capable of the widest application. From the moment that each sister enters the "assembly of Called Out Ones," she becomes an example for good or bad to all her fellow-worshippers. A faithful sister will remember the gracious appeal of the Psalmist, "O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness," and will endeavour to comply with this beautiful precept. Her mind will be suitably prepared to receive the impressions which collective worship affords. Quietness and thoughtfulness will characterize her demeanour before the commencement of the meeting. Close attention will be given to the spiritual ministrations of prayer, praise and exhortation. Meticulous care will be exercised to maintain the standard of holiness which becomes those who would worship the Father in "Spirit and in Truth." No worshipper at the weekly memorial feast will so far forget her call to holiness as to manifest unseemly behaviour of any kind in the presence of Christ. She will not attend to pay her vows clad in unbecoming or unsuitable attire. Her appearance will be modest, neat and undistracting to fellow-worshippers. With regard to hats, many women of the world have almost discarded this article of clothing. Even the leaders of religion have so far relaxed their rules as to permit women to attend Church services with their heads uncovered. No such innovation

will mar the meetings of the brethren and sisters of Christ. Rather will sisters ensure that the hats they are wearing are really a covering. They prefer to approximate more closely to Apostolic command, than to descend to the worldly fashions and customs of their more fleshly-minded contemporaries.

¾

In imparting instruction concerning "good behaviour in the house of God", the Apostle includes exhortation and warning concerning speech. His words have particular reference to sisters. They must be "grave". No breath of slander must escape their lips, nor words of gossip or tittle-tattle be found on their tongues. Rather will the "assembly of the saints" be utilized for the furtherance of mutual spiritual interests. Many opportunities present themselves, for which wise sisters will be on the look-out. Visitors from other meetings can be given an affectionate welcome newly immersed sisters imparted words of tenderness and love. The harassed and wearied can be buoyed up. Problems can be discussed with sisterly affection; arrangements can be made for the writing of letters, for the care of children, for the visiting of the sick, and sometimes invitations can be extended to troubled or lonely ones. These are golden opportunities which will not be missed by energetic and zealous workers in the service of Christ who desire to use the social intercourse available at the ecclesial meetings as a means of useful and edifying conversation.

¾

An important duty in ecclesial life which may devolve upon sisters is the election of serving brethren. Their influence on these occasions can be very far-reaching, for their numerical strength may greatly affect the result of the ballots. It is imperative, in the interests of the Lord's work, that the divine commands relative to the elections of those who serve the ecclesia are fully comprehended and acted upon. No hesitation or doubt must be entertained, for the word of the Apostle to Timothy are emphatic on this point 1 Tim. 3:1-10. Before completing the Ecclesial ballot sisters should carefully study the necessary qualifications required by divine command, and after prayerful consideration decide, to the best of their knowledge, upon the suitability of each brother to be elected to office. Intelligent interest will also be taken in all ecclesial arrangements and affairs, and loyal co-operation and support given in the furthering of the Truth of God.

Selah Contents

Also available in chapter format (one chapter --- on one web page)