**A Charge to Honor: The Story of Timothy’s Stewardship in Ephesus**

The sun hung low over the bustling city of Ephesus, casting long shadows across the marble streets as Timothy made his way through the crowded marketplace. The air was thick with the scent of spices, the shouts of merchants, and the distant hum of the harbor. Yet, despite the city’s vibrancy, Timothy’s heart was heavy with responsibility. The Apostle Paul had entrusted him with the care of the Ephesian church, and the weight of shepherding God’s people pressed upon him daily.

As he entered the modest meeting place where the believers gathered, he was met with a scene that had become all too familiar. A group of widows sat near the front, their faces lined with years of hardship and faith. Some were well past their youth, their hands gnarled from years of labor, while others were younger, their eyes still bright but shadowed with grief. Among them was Eunice, a woman of deep piety who had once cared for the sick among the congregation. Now, she herself was in need.

Timothy’s mind turned to the words Paul had written to him: *”Honor widows who are truly widows.”* (1 Timothy 5:3). He knew that the church had a sacred duty to care for those who had no one else to support them. But he also remembered Paul’s warning: *”But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God.”* (1 Timothy 5:4).

Just the week before, a dispute had arisen when a woman named Lydia, whose sons were wealthy merchants, had demanded support from the church’s common fund. Yet her sons, though prosperous, had neglected their mother, leaving her to rely on the generosity of the saints. Timothy had gently but firmly reminded the family of their duty, urging them to honor their mother as the Law commanded.

Now, as he looked upon the gathered widows, he saw another face—one that troubled him. A younger woman named Drusilla, known for her love of pleasure more than devotion, had begun frequenting the gatherings. Though she was a widow, she spent her days in idleness, gossiping and meddling in affairs that did not concern her. Paul’s words echoed in Timothy’s heart: *”But refuse to enroll younger widows, for when their passions draw them away from Christ, they desire to marry and so incur condemnation for having abandoned their former faith.”* (1 Timothy 5:11-12).

Timothy knew that the church’s resources were not unlimited. To support those who would later turn away from godliness would be to squander what God had entrusted to them. With a prayer for wisdom, he resolved to speak with Drusilla privately, urging her to remarry if she could not remain steadfast in her devotion to Christ.

As the meeting concluded, an elderly widow named Tabitha approached him. Her hands trembled slightly as she clutched a small basket of bread. “Brother Timothy,” she said softly, “I may not have much, but I wish to share with those who have even less.” Her selflessness moved him deeply. Here was a woman who, despite her own need, still sought to serve. Paul’s words came to mind once more: *”Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years of age, having been the wife of one husband, and having a reputation for good works… if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work.”* (1 Timothy 5:9-10).

Timothy placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “Sister Tabitha, your faithfulness does not go unnoticed. The Lord sees your heart, and so do we.”

That evening, as he penned a letter to the elders, outlining the proper care for widows and the importance of family responsibility, he was reminded again of the gravity of his task. The church was not merely an institution—it was a family, bound together by love and duty to Christ. And as he sealed the scroll, he prayed that God would grant them all the wisdom to honor Him in every decision, for the glory of His name.

Thus, Timothy continued his work in Ephesus, shepherding the flock with diligence, ensuring that the needy were cared for, the idle were admonished, and the faithful were honored—all according to the wisdom of God’s Word.