An honorable position
This is a trustworthy saying: “If someone aspires to be a church leader(ministry), he desires an honorable position. 1 Timothy 3:1
I hope you will forgive me for inserting the word ministry, but I see this passage as applying to anyone who desires to be in ministry, not just as pastor. Paul says here in this passage that a desire to be in ministry is an honorable position. Other translations say a good work. It is a good work to be in the ministry, and whether you are the church pastor, worship leader or small group leader, your standard of living should be different than the rest of the world. As I go through this list that Paul gave to Timothy, it seems like it is reasonable for all believers to live by. The list below is the list that Paul gives in today’s text with the contrasting attitude for you to evaluate which side of the list you identify with.
- Be faithful to your spouse – adulterous
- Exercise self-control – no restraint
- Live wisely – live foolishly
- Have a good reputation – have a bad reputation
- Hospitable – be a recluse
- Able to teach – misguiding
- Not a drinker – drunkard
- Not violent – violent/short temper
- Not greedy for money – greedy/selfish
- Gentle – harsh
- Not quarrelsome – contentious
- Not covetous – lustful
- Rules his own home – ignores family
- Not prideful – full of pride/arrogant
- Have a good testimony in the world – bad report in the world
Whether in ministry or not, as a Christian and child of God, the attributes that Paul discusses here should not be far from who you are. If you identified an area where you were on the opposite side of the list, consider how your life would be better if an adjustment was made.
Today I want to encourage you to live the life of a believer, set apart for ministry. By walking in your purpose each day, you are walking out the plan of God for your life. Being in ministry doesn’t mean you have to be perfect, but using this list as a guideline will empower you to strengthen these areas in your life. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you each day to keep these principles as part of your daily walk and focus your attention on how you can better love others with God’s love. Walking in God’s love will make walking in His way more attainable.
Today’s scripture reading: 1 Timothy 1:1-7
