Qualified Widows
1Tim 5:10 well reported for good works: if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints' feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work.
Here we gain insight of some categories of works which Christian women can invest it. Bringing up children is often undervalued in the modern feminist society in which we live. But actually one can scarcely imagine a more valuable and essential job.
Lodging strangers is another thing. Women are often hindered from ministry due to fear. (1Peter 3:6) Having strangers over is not only a bother, but also a risk. But one's hospitality overcomes such things.
Washing feet may have little relevance today. But it was a very practical albeit lowly job then in which people would walk around in sandals or bare feet among the manure laddened, dirt and dust filled streets. Yet Jesus himself stooped to wash the disciples feet. So also is commended the women who washed his feet. But who today can find in themselves the humility to stoop to such jobs?
Relieving people's affliction is yet another of the necessary credentials of the virtuous widow. How might you get involved in that activity in the near future?
And it is not just that she was involved in these activities, but also that she carried these out zealously, diligently, intentionally. Thus let us pray that we don't miss opportunities to serve due to our own laziness