There were strict and clear instructions on who could go on the "widow's list". This was presumably a list that was kept of who was entitled to support from the church. The widow had to have been faithful to her husband, known for good deeds, and over sixty years old. So the woman had to be beyond the age where she could reasonably be expected to earn her own living, and had to be a good person. These verses do call into question the attitude of some parts of the church of a more socialist mindset. There are also lots of parts that call into question the capitalist mindset as well. I am not seeking to make a political point, it is just that this part seems to question some socialist type attitudes. All of us need to subject all our thinking to Scripture.
Young widows were not to go on the list. Paul is entirely practical about the realities of life. It would be wrong to encourage a young widow to make a vow of remaining single, when there is a fair chance she will break it later on. We should not impose unnecessary burdens on people. In fact Paul encourages them to remarry. As a church we should have an equally down-to-earth attitude to life.
Overall the community is to look after its members without putting a burden on the church, the church can then focus on those who really need help. We can see this problem with society as a whole. Part of the reason our social security systems and health care systems are breaking down is that we are expecting them to do everything.
The church needs to be realistic and at times hard-nosed about some things.
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