Public and Private Success
“This is a faithful saying: if a man seeks the office of an overseer, he desires a good work. The overseer therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sensible, modest, hospitable, good at teaching; not a drinker, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; one who rules his own house well, having children in subjection with all reverence; (but if a man doesn’t know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the assembly of God?) not a new convert, lest being puffed up he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. Moreover he must have good testimony from those who are outside, to avoid falling into reproach and the snare of the devil.” (1 Timothy 3:1-7 WEB)
Whether or not you get to be an overseer in the church in this lifetime, you can choose to live as though you are one, with the same moral excellence displayed both publicly and privately. This is not to impress man, but to live in a way that pleases and glorifies God.
How do all these good qualities in the passage above happen? You cannot fake them, if not your actions may seem holy but your mind and heart will be a cesspool of evil.
The transformation has to happen from the inside out through receiving God’s word. It takes time for God to work on you. As you consistently receive His word, He will transform you, making your soul more Christ-like, in actions, emotions and thoughts.
It starts with wanting to be transformed. Do you want to be even more sanctified in your walk with the Lord, or are you okay with just being like the world?
“Likewise, you younger ones, be subject to the elder. Yes, all of you clothe yourselves with humility, to subject yourselves to one another; for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:5-7 WEB)
Subject yourselves to those who are found worthy as overseers and humbly learn from them. When you are ready, God will promote you. There should be no rush in this matter because our eyes are on the Lord and not on the glory of the leadership roles.
This year, may we be found worthy as children of God who have the spirit of an overseer, blameless in God’s sight, by His grace alone!
Even if you never get the honor of serving as a leader in church in this lifetime, Jesus still has important roles for you in the Millennium and beyond. These are His rewards for faithful service—eternal rewards that will stand the test of time. Jesus’ return draws ever closer, so learn all about His rewards: http://bit.ly/sandcastlesdontlastforever
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