Notes to the Lord::Being and Doing

1 Timothy 3

1It is true that anyone who desires to be a church official wants to be something worthwhile. 2That's why officials must have a good reputation and be faithful in marriage. They must be self-controlled, sensible, well-behaved, friendly to strangers, and able to teach.

Lord Jesus--It is worthwhile to serve you. This job description is for what was called overseer, bishop, elder. The church had developed leadership that was beginning to differentiate function and also hierarchy was being established.

But this is not so much a job description as a list of qualities that the person must possess if they are going to be successful in the position. In fact, there is so little by way of function that it is surprising. Being is so much more important than just function. There is almost an underlying assumption that if the being is correct function will take care of itself.

3They must not be heavy drinkers or troublemakers. Instead, they must be kind and gentle and not love money.4Church officials must be in control of their own families, and they must see that their children are obedient and always respectful. 5If they don't know how to control their own families, how can they look after God's people?

Lord Jesus--I know that leadership starts at home. So does the need to be a person that loves Jesus and is able to communicate it to those closest and those who are some distance away.

6They must not be new followers of the Lord. If they are, they might become proud and be doomed along with the devil. 7Finally, they must be well-respected by people who are not followers. Then they won't be trapped and disgraced by the devil.

Lord Jesus--Leadership in the church is something that is quality based...character that has been transformed by the Holy Spirit’s work. It is about being not knowing functional elements of a job description.The elements that Paul is pointing to are indications that a person is ready for leadership. Leadership too soon leads to personal disaster.

Up-close and Personal--So what do I take away from this passage, Lord? Leadership is more about qualities than job functionality. That if the being is right the doing will find its own level. Or, maybe that if you have called then the functions that need to be performed will find their expression in the personal approach of the individual.

Lord Jesus--Continue your work in the “being” part of my life and walk with you. Let me be the person that you would have me to be in the day that will begin in just a little while.