Contemplative Bible Reading

1 Timothy 3:14-15 (New Living Translation)

¹⁴ I am writing these things to you now, even though I hope to be with you soon, ¹⁵ so that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth.

Funny how one word translated a little differently can make such a difference in the reading of a passage. In the New Living Translation, we are described as being in the household of God. Many other translations use the term house of God.

A house is a building. Hence, “house of God” brings thoughts of the church building, the sanctuary, and such. We are to behave reverently and properly in the church building.

Now consider household:

the people in a family or other group that are living together in one house

Hmm, this, to me at least, carries the thought of family. We know how to conduct ourselves in the family of God.

Let’s start doing that.