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Godly character shines

Scripture reading for January 6th: 1st Timothy 3

Key Scriptures: 1st Timothy 3:1-7 “The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household how will he care for God’s church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.”

Becoming an effective spiritual leader is an inside job. As Paul shares the qualification for overseers and deacons with Timothy, we note the many character traits, good and bad, that he lists. The positive traits come from time spent in God’s presence and humbly inviting the Holy Spirit to transform our weak and sinful nature to become like our Lord. It comes from applying God’s Truth to our lives in repentance and faith to crucify the negative traits. This brings stability in the home and family and is noticed in the behavior of the wife and children by those in the church and outside. Ability to manage the family and finances shows good leadership. Humility is most prized in that it keeps us close to Jesus and dependent on Him to avoid Satan’s snares.

Psalm 24:3-4 “Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false, and does not swear deceitfully.”

Faith confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for calling me into spiritual leadership and shaping me inside by Your Word and Holy Spirit. Help me daily to maintain a clean conscience flow of Your love and to walk true to my calling pleasing You alone!

Genesis 6:8-9 “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. And these are the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God.”