It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money.
— 1 Timothy 3:1–3 —
Gabriel Martínez García: Word of Grace Biblical Seminary | Mexico
A building with freshly painted walls looks impressive. But if that building rests on soil rich in salt, and there is no protection against the salinity, it will corrode the foundation and walls. No amount of paint will keep it from crumbling over time. In a similar way, God’s word teaches us that the church must have a firm foundation of godly leaders, men who are solid on the inside and not corrupted by the world. Do you have such a love for Christ and His church that you want to serve sacrificially? Such a leader must be above reproach, faithful to his wife, respected by all, and hospitable as well. He must be temperate, not self-willed, and good at teaching. He must not love wine, money, or quarrels, but rather be gentle and peaceable. It should be a priority of the church to have such leaders and also to train up men to be more and more like Christ. Being a leader shouldn’t result from being the oldest, most successful in business, or the best speaker. No, it is about character and obedience to the word. Do you have such a love for Christ and His church that you want to serve sacrificially? Do you have a life transformed by the indwelling power of the Spirit? All God’s children should strive to reflect these character qualities, regardless of their position at church. Whether we are preaching or teaching the youngest of children—whatever we do—may we do it all to His glory!
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