The Bible truly is the book of life.
It not only shows us the way to eternal life, but God also gives us detailed information as to how we are to live our lives now.
Paul gives some very wise and helpful advice to Timothy.
Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure. (1 Timothy 5:22 NIV)
The “laying on of hands” would be equivalent to appointing someone to a position of importance, approving of someone or selecting someone for a specific task.
Paul warns Timothy to be careful and deliberate in making such a selection. He offers three or four reasons.
- You need to avoid sharing in the sins of others.
- You need to protect your purity.
- The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them. The sins of others trail behind them.
- In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.