1 Timothy 3

Be Still: Father, thank you for the gift of life. Holy Spirit, please fill me and speak to me as I read your Word today. Amen

Read: 1 Timothy 3 

Now the overseer is to be above reproach. (v2)

Encounter: Historically, I’ve always skimmed over this passage when I’ve been reading 1 Timothy. Having never felt called to church leadership myself, the list of entry requirements always seemed superfluous information. It would be a bit like looking up the qualifications needed to fly a 747, vaguely interesting but not relevant. 

I am, however, deeply invested in the fact that the person flying the 747 that I’ve boarded for my holiday should be in possession of those qualifications. And likewise, we should care that the people piloting our church also have the right qualifications for the job. To be clear, our leaders aren’t perfect, and we shouldn’t expect them to be so, but there are standards that those who are aspiring to lead the people of God must meet. 

Helpfully, Paul has given us a handy check list: they shouldn’t be violent, drunk philanderers (one would hope fairly straightforward), and they should be gentle, self-controlled, hospitable and not lovers of money (a little more subjective). If your church leader, or someone whose christian YouTube channel you watch, isn’t displaying these characteristics, then you might consider whether you are following someone who is following Jesus. 

Apply: If you are currently in a church that is led by people who meet the criteria, then take a moment to thank God for blessing you with godly leaders and pray for protection for them and that they would continue to grow in godliness. If, as you look down this list, there is a big disparity between your leaders and the personal traits that Paul is describing in this passage, there might be something that needs addressing.
 
Devote: Jesus, thank you that you want your church to be led by godly people who will love and protect your flock. Please bless our leaders and help them to look more like Jesus every day.