Read the Word:
1 Timothy 3:1-7
Meditate on the Word:
Many who have gone into ministry, or been considered for ministry, have been evaluated using these words. This list that Paul writes to Timothy as the qualifications of the office of elder (or overseer) is very interesting in one way. There is only one requirement that has anything to do with ability, found in v. 2, “able to teach.” While it is an important requirement, it is not the “be all and end all.” All the other requirements are related to the character of one being examined.
The argument could be made that the character requirements listed here should apply to any believer. We all should be above reproach, faithful, temperate, self-controlled, and respectable. None of us should be violent, drunk, greedy, or quarrelsome. We should all manage our families well and have a good reputation. These are the character traits that should be expected of Christians. The ability to teach and not being a new believer are simply necessary to give credibility to the message of the preacher.
Let us all evaluate ourselves against these character traits.
Pray the Word:
Confess to our Lord any areas of your life that fall short of His character requirements. Repent.
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