Reading for Today - I Timonthy 3:1-13 - If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task
1 Timothy 3:1-13 (ESV)
The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
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In the New Testament we read of elders and deacons in the congregations of the church. In Paul’s letter to Timothy he mentions traits that those who serve in these roles should have. Elders have great responsibility for the flock and deserve respect and honor. Elders seek to lead the flock and must do this through both example and action. Paul mentions, in addition to many personal traits, that elders should manage their own household well and should be well thought of by outsiders. It is important for elders to be living a life that glorifies God and directs others toward Christ.
Deacons, are those who serve. When a congregation looks to add deacons they should seek those who are already serving. Deacons also, must manage their households well.
In the church the elders and deacons should not be the only ones serving. We should all seek to serve God and others. Throughout our lives we should be seeking to follow the example of Christ who came to serve and not to be served. If anyone was more deserving of being served while they were on the earth it was Christ, yet Christ came to serve and to seek and to save the lost. May we all seek to follow the example of Christ in our lives, serving others and seeking to put others ahead of ourselves.