SCRIPTURE: “An overseer, therefore, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible, respectable, and hospitable, and an able teacher.” (1Timothy 3:2 HCSB)
QUOTE: Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education. -Martin Luther king
NOTE:
Who you are comes before what you do. Leadership is “being” before “doing.” All spiritual leaders in the church are to be faithful in teaching the Word of God and in modeling godliness to the total congregation. Leaders who fail morally do not lead anyone to a better place. The higher the leader goes, the deeper his character must develop. The larger the outward privilege, the larger the inward character must be. Character represents the inner life of a leader. We must guard against taking God’s love and grace for granted and bowing down to modern-day idols in our own cultural environment. There is certainly some relativity in using these qualities of maturity to select spiritual leaders in specific cultural situations. , but we should never compromise God’s standards for maturity
ILLUSTRATION:
We see Paul applying this principle when we compare the character qualities he outlined in 1 Timothy 3:2-7 and those he listed in this letter to Titus in Titus 1:7-9. These comparative profiles demonstrate the cultural freedom the Holy Spirit gave Paul in addressing specific character issues. However, even if there is some relativity in elder/overseer qualifications, these lists present a basic doctrine of character. When considered as a whole and interpreted accurately, we have comprehensive biblical criteria for evaluating the degree to which potential spiritual leaders are reflecting the life of Jesus Christ.
REFLECTION:
In what ways can churches make sure that spiritual leaders who are chosen and appointed to lead the church are spiritually qualified?
TWO YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Samuel 3 – 4, Proverbs 22: 17 – 29