Those Whom God Calls, He Qualifies

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It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?),  and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil.  And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 1 Timothy 3:1-7

Ever apply for a job for which you weren’t quite qualified? An elder is one who serves in the life of the church as an ‘overseer’ (other words like bishop, presbyter, are synonyms). Its an honorable role- and should be desired because these people have such a profound influence on the health of a church congregation. Their job is to seek the will of God for the future of the church (along with the Senior Pastor) and to guard the doctrine within the church. In order to do so well, they should meet the qualifications described by the apostle Paul. Timothy was to find and appoint these men. While these qualities don’t emerge in a day, they do as God does His sanctifying work in us. Timothy may have wondered at first… ‘where have all the good men gone’ (like the song)… but soon would find they were right there in his midst. He just had to look through the right lens to see them. For those whom God calls, He qualifies!

Could I meet the qualifications of an ‘overseer’?… not just in the church, but in any role in which I lead and serve?

God, as this day unfolds, I thank You for Your transforming power to make me the person You desire. Remind me when I fail to measure up. Then change me into one able to represent You in my relationships, family, church and in the public.

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