READ: 1 Timothy 3:1-7
1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
KEY THOUGHT:
To stay true to a calling means that you consistently meet the requirements and expectations of what God has called you to do. That is especially important for the leaders in the church. I recall a quote that’s been attributed to John Maxwell (a Christian leadership specialist) that says, “Everything rises and falls on leadership.” While some may argue the point, I believe it’s especially true in the church. First of all, we must recognize that the ultimate leader of the church is Christ. Knowing that, we know that the church will stand through anything. But God also has ordained earthly leaders in the church, including pastors. For those, God’s Word provides many standards, criteria or requirements that pertain to godly behavior in leadership positions.
Pastors are called by God and their congregation to lead a body of believers in the path that God chooses. To fulfill such a calling is possible when the pastor consistently meets the requirements established by God in His Word. These requirements are not subject to man’s interpretation or modification, although today’s church has been inconsistent at best in its application of the standards. Perhaps this is the one battle that rages inside the church more than outside it. In any case, staying true to the call of a pastor requires staying true to God’s Word. That includes staying true to the very standards that apply to pastors.
CONSIDER:
- Why is it important for pastors and church leaders to follow Biblical standards?
- Are the church’s standards for pastors consistent with what the Bible calls for? What can cause the church to move away from Biblical standards?
- Where can a pastor or church leader find strength to live according to Biblical standards?
APPLICATION:
Be true to the calling God has for you by following His Word!
