1st Timothy 5:22. “Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.” TAKE YOUR TIME. He certainly has intelligence and zeal and is very articulate. His demeanor is polite; his interests seem like they are in the right place. He has a responsible occupation and is able to care for his family. He doesn’t mind participating in public meetings quite often – BUT … His words seem so calculated and precise, you wonder if they come from his heart. His smile appears instantly and disappears almost as fast – His politeness is well-practiced, like a protocol he follows. His eyes look at you carefully as if taking measure, but are quite cool. TAKE YOUR TIME!
A deal is concluded, and he tells you about it in great detail. A deed is done, and you are told of every part of it with great care. You are asked if you would like to invest in his enterprise. You are invited to participate in this uniting society of good deeds. BUT… You wonder if such a work and the amazing results are too good to be true. You wonder what the motivation behind the righteous activity really is. Is there something hidden that you cannot see at first? Is there an unexpressed agenda that will compromise your testimony? TAKE YOUR TIME!
Qualifications to meet the needs of leadership are not all seen. Sometimes it is worth the effort to find out where one has been – And what one does when out of the sight of Christian sisters and brothers. Is he the same when gathering with the saints as when he gathers with others? BUT… Consider yourself before making serious decisions: are your motives really pure? The things that cause you some pause – can you go ahead and truly be sure That this is right, and when you pray, can you ask God’s blessing on it? And is your labor done in purity, and the outcome a real benefit?
“O wise God: give to Thy servant discernment and caution when there seems to be something questionable that arises. Keep me from making hasty decisions and at the same time, from making none at all. Don’t allow me to put people off too long, who are waiting for some conclusion from me. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”
It may be that Timothy had some physical health problems that Paul knew about. He gave Timothy some personal advice as to the danger that may be in the water in various places to which he traveled. The work of a servant of the Lord is such that he should be cognizant of his physical and spiritual well-being and should take care of himself. Anything that causes ill health should be avoided, and that which helps maintain good health, even a "little wine," should be used. This does not indicate drinking wine in excess to the point where our judgment and self-control are impaired is ever acceptable in any way. We don't always know a person until quite a lot of time has passed. Hidden sins as well as open sins need the passing of time to be exposed, even to addictions and basic behavior.