The Daily Word: Sunday, October 18th, 2020
Jeremiah 31:27-32:44
1 Timothy 3:1-16
Psalm 88:1-18
Proverbs 25:20-22
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Commentary from Pastor Michael White:
This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. – 1 Tim 3:1-6
Scripture outlines the requirements for becoming a bishop. A “bishop” is an overseer. The word used in the original Greek text for “bishop” is episcope (Strong’s G1984), which literally means “one who is used by God to search out the character of men.” The bishop does not lead with natural ability; he leads with supernatural discernment. He leads from his spirit, and not from his flesh.
Take note of the requirements Scripture lists to be considered for such a role. He must be blameless, a good husband, calm, a good teacher (v. 2), not prone to addictive behavior, violence or greed (v. 3), a good father (vv. 4-5) and a man of integrity and experience (v. 6). Now notice that none of the requirements have anything to do with on-the-job performance! They have everything to do with character.
Ministry is not just about getting things done. It is about doing them right. Character and integrity are the foundational layers of any successful ministry. Are you a good spouse? Are you a loving parent? Are you someone other people can trust, without having to worry about ulterior motives creeping in? Do you steamroll others to get to your goals, or do you make people around you better so you can win as a team?
Just as a tree must grow roots before it can grow tall, we must let God work in us if we want Him to work through us. So, do you want to change the world? Start by asking God to change your heart.
Prayer:
Father, heal me! Make me whole. I pray You would give me rock-solid character. Make me a man of integrity and honor! I know if I want to lead others, I have to let You lead me first.
© Michael D. White, 2020. All rights reserved.