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Ring of Truth provides 366 daily ‘proofs’ that the Bible is consistent throughout from Genesis to Revelation, and relevant for our lives today!
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1 Timothy 3:1-5
“Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s Church?)”
Do you qualify?
There is nothing wrong with spiritual ‘ambition’, provided it is for the right reasons. One of the problems I see in the church is that if someone is caught sinning sexually, we immediately censure and deal with it, but if the ‘problem’ is pride – we promote it. Yes, we must deal with sexual impropriety quickly and decisively, but we should also watch out for those with pride and selfish ambitions. That is why it is better to look for servant leadership – modelled by the Lord Jesus Himself.
It’s good to want to be an “overseer” but first remember they are held accountable before God, not just for who they are and what they do but also for how they tend the flock. It is not something to be taken on or sought after lightly. As with all levels of leadership, there are levels of greater responsibility and few perks. (Save for those ‘out of this world’ and the joy of working wholeheartedly for the King.)
The list is pretty comprehensive, isn’t it? Let’s look at just a few –
“Above reproach.” This is difficult – but not impossible. It is not what I think of myself but what others see in me. It is their testimony of me, not mine. (See also Daniel 6:5.)
“Self controlled.” Peter gives us a list of virtues as well and he also highlights self-control (see 2 Peter 1:5-9). You see, if we lack self-control, we disqualify ourselves from leading and caring for others. If we cannot control ourselves, others won’t know how to respond. We will say one thing now and then change it later (or make sudden outbursts if we are stressed).
“Hospitable.” That’s dying out, isn’t it? If we don’t practise hospitality, how can we get to know other people well? It is a common courtesy in most cultures and Jesus encourages us to even invite those who won’t invite us back (see Luke 14:12-14).
“Able to teach.” We need to be able to pass on our understanding of Scripture and the Christian walk. We have to “make disciples” (see Matthew 28:19). The role is to develop the church, not just sustain it.
“Gentle.” A shepherd loves and gives – he doesn’t push, shove or strike out. He even carries the sheep upon his shoulders if he has to. (See also Luke 15:1-7.)
“Not a lover of money.” So many have ‘fallen’ or disqualified themselves over this one, haven’t they? But “you cannot serve God and money” (Matthew 6:24).
“Manage his own family well.” Why is it so many miss it here? Yes, we must prioritise our families – it is the basic unity of society and the church family. How is yours? (See also Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Joshua 24:15 & Ephesians 5:22-6:4.)
Do you qualify to be an overseer? Do others recognise it?
God never keeps a good person down – just you wait and see.
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