Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect.

1 Tim 3:1-5

Today we find the second of Paul’s ‘trustworthy sayings’ to Timothy. The first pertained to salvation, (v1) this one to leadership. We may not readily use the word overseer in our context, but it may be understood as an ‘elder.’ What is evident is that such a position of authority within the church is a high calling and one that should not be taken lightly. Paul details ten requirements necessary to be qualified (‘above reproach’) for such a task (vs 2,3). There’s no mention of academic prowess, rather it is conduct and integrity that matter. Paul is more concerned with highlighting the character of, rather than the ecclesiastical duties of, the overseer. While some of us may not set our hearts on the ‘noble task’ of an overseer, Paul is addressing, we are nevertheless called to set our hearts on the character and conduct emphasize.

CLOSING PRAYER : Thank you, Lord God, for my spiritual leaders. Protect, equip, and direct them. Lord, help me to grow up in the likeness of the Lord Jesus to be above reproach and be qualified to do your noble task of serving your kingdom work.

(Edifying from Encounter with God).