Definition and Context:
Upkeep refers to the maintenance, care, and preservation of property, possessions, or responsibilities. In a biblical context, upkeep can extend to the stewardship of God's creation, the care of one's family, and the maintenance of spiritual well-being. The concept of upkeep is deeply rooted in the biblical principle of stewardship, where individuals are called to manage and care for the resources and responsibilities entrusted to them by God.

Biblical References:

1. Stewardship of Creation:
The Bible begins with the account of creation, where God entrusts humanity with the responsibility to care for the earth. Genesis 2:15 states, "Then the LORD God took the man and placed him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate and keep it." This verse highlights the divine mandate for humans to maintain and preserve the natural world, reflecting God's order and beauty.

2. Family and Household:
The upkeep of one's family and household is a recurring theme in Scripture. In 1 Timothy 5:8, Paul writes, "If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." This passage underscores the importance of providing for and maintaining the well-being of one's family as a fundamental Christian duty.

3. Spiritual Upkeep:
Spiritual upkeep involves the maintenance of one's relationship with God through prayer, study of Scripture, and obedience to His commandments. In Philippians 2:12-13, Paul encourages believers to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose." This exhortation emphasizes the active role believers must take in nurturing their spiritual lives, relying on God's power and guidance.

4. Community and Church:
The early church provides a model for communal upkeep, where believers shared resources and supported one another. Acts 2:44-45 describes this practice: "All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need." This example illustrates the importance of maintaining the well-being of the Christian community through mutual support and generosity.

5. Financial Stewardship:
The Bible also addresses the upkeep of financial resources, urging believers to manage their wealth wisely. Proverbs 27:23-24 advises, "Be sure to know the state of your flocks, and pay close attention to your herds; for riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to every generation." This wisdom literature highlights the necessity of diligent oversight and management of one's resources to ensure long-term stability and provision.

Theological Implications:
The concept of upkeep in the Bible is closely tied to the idea of stewardship, where individuals are seen as caretakers of God's gifts. This stewardship extends beyond material possessions to include relationships, spiritual health, and communal responsibilities. The biblical call to upkeep is a reminder of the accountability believers have before God to manage their lives and resources in a way that honors Him and serves others.

Practical Applications:
Believers are encouraged to apply the principles of upkeep in various aspects of their lives. This includes regular maintenance of their homes and possessions, intentional care for family and community, and consistent spiritual practices that foster growth and maturity in faith. By doing so, Christians demonstrate their commitment to living out the biblical mandate of stewardship and reflect God's character in their daily lives.

Whether it is Possible to be Dispensed from a Solemn Vow of ...
... Reply to Objection 3: Food is directly ordered to the upkeep of the person, therefore
abstinence from food may be a direct source of danger to the person: and ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is possible to 2.htm

A Corps Commander
... Soldiers and adherents are trained to give according to their ability towards the
upkeep of their respective corps; but when the best that may be is done in ...
/.../carpenter/the angel adjutant of twice born men/v a corps commander.htm

Whether the Moral virtues Differ in Point of the Various Objects ...
... Accordingly, if we take a good, and it be something discerned by the sense of touch,
and something pertaining to the upkeep of human life either in the ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the moral virtues differ.htm

Whether the Species of Sacrilege are Distinguished According to ...
... come things connected with the apparel of the Church and its ministers; and those
things, whether movable or immovable, that are deputed to the upkeep of the ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the species of sacrilege.htm

Whether any Gifts Should be Assigned as Dowry to the Blessed?
... For a dowry (Cod. v, 12, De jure dot.20: Dig. xxiii, 3, De jure dot.) is given
to the bridegroom for the upkeep of the burdens of marriage. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether any gifts should be.htm

Whether a Religious Order Can be Established for Preaching or ...
... to be established for the works of the active life, in so far as they are directed
to the good of our neighbor, the service of God, and the upkeep of divine ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether a religious order can 2.htm

Whether Almsgiving is a Matter of Precept?
... Thus nature first, by its nutritive power, takes what it requires for the upkeep
of one's own body, and afterwards yields the residue for the formation of ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether almsgiving is a matter.htm

Whether the vice of Curiosity is About Sensitive Knowledge?
... For in the first place, both in man and in other animals, it is directed to the
upkeep of the body, because by knowledge of this kind, man and other animals ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the vice of curiosity.htm

Whether Perpetual Continence is Required for Religious Perfection?
... married state." Secondly, because it involves man in solicitude for the control
of his wife, his children, and his temporalities which serve for their upkeep. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether perpetual continence is required.htm

Whether, in Trading, it is Lawful to Sell a Thing at a Higher ...
... Thus, for instance, a man may intend the moderate gain which he seeks to acquire
by trading for the upkeep of his household, or for the assistance of the needy ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether in trading it is.htm

Upkeep (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Upkeep (2 Occurrences). Nehemiah 5:15 But earlier
rulers who were before me made the people responsible ...
/u/upkeep.htm - 7k

Upland (4 Occurrences)

/u/upland.htm - 8k

Upholstered (1 Occurrence)

/u/upholstered.htm - 6k

Earlier (48 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 5:15 But earlier rulers who were before me made the people responsible
for their upkeep, and took from them bread and wine at the rate of forty ...
/e/earlier.htm - 21k

Rate (23 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 5:15 But earlier rulers who were before me made the people responsible
for their upkeep, and took from them bread and wine at the rate of forty ...
/r/rate.htm - 15k

City
... Such were the cities of the truculent, marauding kings of Canaan, whose broken
territories lent themselves to the upkeep of a condition, of the weakness of ...
/c/city.htm - 43k

Lords (63 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 5:15 But earlier rulers who were before me made the people responsible
for their upkeep, and took from them bread and wine at the rate of forty ...
/l/lords.htm - 28k

Rules (160 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 10:32 And we made rules for ourselves, taxing ourselves a third of a
shekel every year for the upkeep of the house of our God; (BBE). ...
/r/rules.htm - 35k

Taxing (3 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS). Nehemiah 10:32 And we made rules for ourselves, taxing ourselves a third
of a shekel every year for the upkeep of the house of our God; (BBE). ...
/t/taxing.htm - 35k

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