I think one of the interesting things about this chapter is not just the requirements set forth for a healthy church community and leadership, but the extension of this to the members of the church as well. These long lists of adjectives and qualities necessary are good convicting pictures of what it means to imitators of Christ. The ones that specifically stuck out to me were the ones in verses 2 and 3. They are such good descriptions of a Christ centered life:
self-controlled, respectable - point to us in control of our emotions and actions and owning up to our mistakes when they happen
hospitable, not violent but gentle - just more detailed ways for us to show the love of God and be slow to anger but quick in kindness. We show a true selflessness when we care for others over ourselves and take the emphasis off of us. I pray that this is something that I can do more often because it is easy to get lost in my goals and aspirations, but I think one of the best descriptions of these leadership positions refers to them as servants to others as Jesus came to serve not be served
not a lover of money - this one can be very difficult in the world and culture that we live it because we look to money for so many things like happiness, security, etc, but that doesn't excuse us. This love of money can be a destructive temptation that can overwhelm us if we aren't careful.
Despite being qualifications for being ordained church leaders (bishops and deacons) I think that Paul emphasizes the need for stable and godly father figures. In both cases he states that a major requirement is the ability to manage the household well. A part that stood out to me is ! Timothy 3: 9 which says "They must hold the mystery of the faith, with a clear conscience." Someone with corruption in their heart will not lead a flock, a church or, a family well. Paul describes the church of the living God as a pillar and buttress of the truth. Therefore it needs people committed to the truth and to the glory of God to lead it well. In the same way a father must lead and love the children of his wife, modeled in the way that Jesus leads us, the children of Mother Church.
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