October 18, 2024 -Higher Standards

JEREMIAH 31:27-32:44

1 TIMOTHY 3:1-16

PSALM 88:1-18

PROVERBS 25:20-22

One Year Bible Audio & Daily Reading (oneyearbibleonline.com)

1Timothy 3:1 Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. 2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.

8 In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

11 In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.

12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

When we are praying for all those in leadership that includes leadership of our churches. Also, just as we should take seriously our responsibility to vote in our country, we need to take seriously our responsibility to vote for our church leaders.

We should be praying for discernment and hold our church leadership to a higher standard. I wonder if in our church there is any kind of interview or vetting process that holds those being put up to be elders to the test? I have a feeling that most churches do not do that because it is already hard enough to find people willing to serve. If we were to examine their hearts and the actions as this suggests we should, we would have a difficult time finding people willing to serve.

There is no one who is perfect and as we have seen over and over again the heart is what matters. We need to seek people who recognize that they are sinners and are humble and willing to be honest about their struggles and truly desire to do what is right and live according to these standards. They should strive to be faithful to their spouse, even tempered, self-controlled, respectable, and hospitable. Someone who is not a drunk, prone to violence, fighting or greed. Managing their household well. We cannot control every person in our household, but we can control our response which should be based on biblical principles. If they are not sure how to handle a situation in their family, or are struggling with a particular sin, they should be willing to seek wisdom and guidance from others. They should be mature in their faith and have a firm foundation and relationship with Christ that is demonstrated in how they live.

I am praying that all those in leadership in my church "gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus". I pray they are seeking to live according to these standards and are humbly coming before Christ seeking His truth and wisdom. I pray they are able to discern areas that they need to learn, grow and improve in that they may serve well. Because "Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus."