Recently a Pastor called me, he was anxious because one of his children had decided not to walk with God anymore. What will people in the Church say? What should his response be?
The fact is our lives are not perfect are they? I mean us. Christians of maybe many years and still we fail. Leaders with great responsibilities within the Church and sometimes when we look into the mirror of our soul we wish we hadn’t.
I choose to read a whole section of Paul’s letter to Timothy (the 3rd chapter). You will see why.
“Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. 2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of fullrespect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap. In the same way, deacons[b] are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.11 In the same way, the womenare to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. 12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.14 Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, 15 if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. 16 Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.” (1 Timothy 3)
Do you pass? Go through the list if you’re a Bishop, a Pastor, a deacon, do you qualify?
Have you ever asked: what if I am not what I should be?
Those who love these kind of lists and think themselves perfect are rubbing their hands with glee.
For those of us who are doing our best are so relieved for the last verse.
Paul quotes a hymn, and for those of us who fail at times, we are so glad he did.
He appeared in flesh, in a body … Incarnated into human form. He understands our journey, our weakness, our failings because he took that same path. He appeared in a body and He has come to live in us.
He was vindicated by the Spirit … Through a sinless life, through a victorious resurrection. The Spirit was with Him. You may be judged by man, but the Spirit will clear your name. The Spirit is working for you, with you, leading you.
He was seen by angels … He was made lower than the Angels and yet the Angels could not comprehend the glory. The whole of heaven watched. And we are seen. Seen by God’s messenger Angels, avenging Angels, guardian Angels. The Spirit has an army working for you.
He was preached among the nations … The life of Jesus was mission to the whole world. Your life was created for the same reason. You may have failed the list at times but have you shared Christ to your world?
He was believed on in the world …. Jesus is still influencing the world. Today, 60,000 people will come to Him and make Him their Lord and Saviour. Your influence is bigger than you can possibly could know.
He was taken up in glory … He ascended, though laid down by man, the Spirit lifted Him. You too will be exalted even though you may be humbled right now. He will lift your head, He will raise you high, He will be glorified in you.
This is why I am not overly concerned if I don’t tick all the right boxes. If I try and then fail it’s not over, because of this hymn. Because of Him!
Missions Paul 