Have you ever recruited a team of volunteers at church or in your neighborhood? When there’s a lot of enthusiasm, it’s easy to fill positions. But can you relate to those desperate times when you settled for “warm bodies” to fill the job/task roster?
Paul knew that Timothy was going to need to sort out some issues with leadership in the church. Any time people start to gather, some will seek order. We start to see how rules were put in place to avoid certain improper behaviors that would hurt the church as a whole.
Many churches today, as I understand it, put a lot of emphasis on their leadership following these guidelines. What does it look like in your church? Did having this sort of detail in the Bible surprise you this time you read this passage?
It’s refreshing to see such honesty in God’s word. For those entrusted in setting the example for other believers, leaders do need to meet a few criteria. The ones listed here don’t seem extreme on their own. But put all together some may be afraid of leadership.
I suppose that makes sense because not everyone can be a leader. For those of us followers, we look to others to have the qualities listed here. Paul’s words set the bar for what good, Bible-focused leadership looks like. God always equips those he calls.
If any of the “warm bodies” in your ministry have leadership potential, they should understand the Biblical background that many rely on to set standards or expectations. Encourage them to pursue their calling and seek to develop and live out these qualities.
What’s most important is growing your relationship with God. Are you serving where he intends? If you haven’t asked in a while, ask him.
Let’s pray. Lord, am I pleasing you in my service to you? I want the world to know of your great love and how your word inspires and directs us all. If we’d only listen. Forgive me Lord for those times I don’t take time to listen. Help me slow down and do a better job of serving you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
