Back in 2018 I became a Regional Leader within my denomination. There were two things that I focused on and still do; the work and the well-being of the minister.
The verse we read today may look out of place in a section dealing with Church leadership, but if you believe, as I do, that the well-being is as important as the work of the minister, then pastoral care and practical wisdom are what every minister needs.
This brief sentence offers profound insights into pastoral care, practical wisdom, and the intersection of faith and physical well-being.
Timothy was apparently dealing with ongoing stomach problems and frequent illnesses. In the ancient world and in parts still today, medical knowledge was limited and clean water wasn’t always available, digestive issues were common and potentially serious. Here is what Paul says:
“Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.” – 1 Timothy 5:23 (NIV)
- Water can contain bacteria that brings disease and can even kill. It did and it still does. There are times when drinking water from a tap or a stream is not wise.
- Thee are times then, when wine was safer than water because of the fermentation process.
- Paul wasn’t permitting Timothy to commence social drinking. This was about his health. The amount Paul advises is key here.
- Paul doesn’t suggest calling for the elders for the anointing oil. He doesn’t even pray or suggest praying. But neither does he dismiss Timothy’s stomach issues as unimportant.
- Look after your body, that’s what Paul says in a nutshell. Faith doesn’t replace common sense.
- Christianity is about the whole of life. It speaks into every area.
- We need to be as concerned for our Pastors physical well-being as their moral and spiritual health.
Paul’s brief medical advice to Timothy continues to teach us about the holistic nature of faithful living centuries later.
Missions Paul 