I thought I would write some exposition of 1 Timothy 3 which concerns the qualifications of church officials. It speaks of Bishops (Overseers) and Deacons and addresses some qualities they should have. All of us, in fact, should attain these qualities. Upon re-reading the chapter in a couple of different versions I see that it is clear enough so that another reader really does not need my help.
However, we notice in today’s Church that many men (and women) in these positions have come short. (And we ourselves, if honest, know we also are short on these requirements).
This leads me to make a general comment pertinent to most, if not all, human organizations: Church, Government, School Districts . . . They are like ladders starting with a bottom rung leading to the top rung. It is common among men to want the position of top rung. Most start the climb from the bottom and proceed upwards. A few get to start a little further up because of family, wealth, or other reasons. Everyone wants the next rung (or two or three) up. Some are patient and trudge along at a fair, legal rate. Ohers are impatient and force themselves up in an unfair, perhaps illegal rate, pulling the ones above off and stepping on the fingers of the ones below.
On our trip up the ladder, we must keep in mind the qualifications set for us by God in 1 Timothy 3. At the end of our life God does not judge us on the rung we attained, but the manner by which we climbed the ladder. Have we been: blameless sticking to one spouse, vigilant, sober (levelheaded), of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach, not greedy for money, nonviolent, etc.?
If we have not, we can do better today.
