S) "1 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. 2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money."
1 Timothy 3:1-3 (NASB)
O) Maybe the most noteworthy thing about this passage (and this qualifying really goes through v.7), is that Paul describes it as, "a fine work he desires," That is, aspiring to the office of an overseer seems commendable to Paul. This struck me as almost being contrary to James 1, but in reading the qualifications, I think Paul is setting the bar high so that not many will become overseers, even if their desire for it is good. Also, it's worth noting that James said not many should teach, but teaching ability is only a small part of what Paul said would qualify a man as an overseer. It's also worth pointing out that, while the qualifications of the office are described, the responsibilities of the office are not.
A) There aren't a lot of positions of leadership listed in the Bible. The first century church certainly looked a lot different than the corporate organizations we see today (at least in the Western World). Still, the simple truth is that people benefit from good leadership, and people need to be pastored (shepherded, lead, mentored, whatever we want to call it). In that vein, I do desire to lead people. I think God has given me a certain amount of leadership traits that come to me easily, and I have other gifts to give (including the ability to teach). So, when I read the qualifications of an overseer, I really read this as a conviction-check. This is a passage that I want to read, and re-read, with a humble heart, asking God to rebuke me by the Holy Spirit. As I read it today, the term that struck me the most was the command not to be pugnacious, but gentle. I think that I can be gentle to certain people, or in certain circumstances. However, I also recognize that I have a tendency to be argumentative with others, and in some other circumstances. I know that God has brought me considerable growth in this area of my life, but I'm certainly not done. Keeping my mind on being gentle and peaceable, at all times, to all people, will help me to become more Christlike. As with all improvements to character, I make efforts, but I rely on the Holy Spirit to change me, ultimately.
P) Father, Your grace at work in me is constantly humbling. Every time I take a minute, to think about who I was and who I am now, I am stunned. It is all grace, though. I know that I cannot make any changes on my own. Even the simple desire to be a better man is a direct result of the Holy Spirit at work within me, opening my eyes to Your lovingkindness and compassion, drawing me to repentance. Your Word convicts me, God. When I read this passage, I was immediately drawn to this concept of not being pugnacious. I don't want to be combative with people, Lord. I confess myself as Your servant, Your ambassador, and it is therefore my will to share Your invitation in love and peace. I want to glorify You in my relationships, God. I want to be a source of joy and peace and comfort to people, in the name of Jesus Christ. Help me to be a better reflection of Your character, day by day. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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