Worse Than an Infidel?

“If any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” – I Timothy 5:8

The Smith’s are Christians. The Jones’s across the street are not. The Smith’s have had several children and adopted a number of others. The Jones’s have had quite a few kids as well.

Having watched Suzy Jones get on and off the school bus and meander the sidewalk back to her house, Mrs. Smith has often thought that Suzy would be better off living in the Smith house. Rumor has it that, while Mr. Jones seems many times to be a likable guy, he frequently blows his paycheck on internet gambling, loose women, and alcohol. He has even occasionally beat his wife and children or left them stranded out on the street.

Yet Suzy generally appears to be a rather cheerful young woman, especially given her circumstances. One would think she hasn’t much about which to be cheerful, but I guess she’s been developing somewhat of her own hedonistic life and has also been gathering a host of party friends with whom to fritter it away. But Mrs. Smith sees through it all. She knows that Suzy can have a much more abundant life. – “Oh, if only Suzy could see the life that she’s missing.”

“Suzy!” Mrs. Smith calls out one day, just as soon as Suzy’s friends have driven away from dropping her off. “I’ve been wanting to ask you something. – Now that you’re an older teenager, and … well, … I wonder what you’d think of possibly …, um, … well, how would you like staying with us for a while. Come and see what life is like in the Smith house,” Mrs. Smith smiles widely. “Whada ya say?”

“Why?” Suzy seems to ask curtly.

“Well, I thought that, um, … well, my husband works with your dad once in a while, and so …, uh, … well, even some of the neighbors have even noticed that –”

“Well, I happen to know some of your children,” Suzy interrupts, “who used to live with you … and who haven’t come back to stay even when they’ve had opportunity. And also some of your foster children have opted out of being adopted by you. And then how ‘bout the ones who still do live with you? They seem to be sick more often than they are well!
“Why would I want to live with you? Shouldn’t you be taking care of your own before worrying about someone else?”
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“This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning … the church”
(Ephesians 5:32).