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Called to Lead
Ken Silva1 Timothy 3: 1-4
Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. Now the overseer is o be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect.
The bar is set extremely high for anyone that is considering or being considered for the position of "overseer" in the Church. In Paul's time there was turmoil in the Church, leaders had left and there was a moral lapse. Amazingly aren't we seeing the same thing in varying degrees today. This instability in the Church made it ripe for criticism from outsiders and non-believers. It was because of these things that moral character and reputation among both believers and non-believers for those being considered as an overseer or deacon was o important. Many of the necessary character traits described in the scripture are obvious but those related to marriage and family are unique. The health of a marriage and the way one manages his/her household is a reflection on their character and maturity.
The success of any organization whether secular or non-secular lies to a great extent with the selection of their leaders. Paul has given us a clear, concise list of traits essential for a Church leader to posess. The scripture helps to remind me of the importance of the leadership mantle of a Church leader. Especially in the 'times" that we are living in today. The Church needs stability, it needs to regain the rock solid trust of its' members. It needs to serve as a sanctuary for the lost and a resource for those that are struggling. It has to provide the unwavering truth thru God's word. That means that all of us that are called by God to serve as leaders need to embrace this responsibility and boldly serve as God leads us.
Dear Lord I thank you for calling me to New Hope. I pray for strength, endurance, discernment, patience and empathy. I pray that I hear your voice and I am obedient to your call on my life. That I can work shoulder to shoulder with my brothers and sisters in Christ to glorify you. Dear Lord I love you and thank you for all things, amen.
