Are You Qualified?
BRD REFLECTIONS:
1 Timothy 3 and Psalm 86 (NIV)
(Barnabas Ng, Disciple Facilitator)
READ
1 Timothy 3 and Psalm 86 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
“The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.” (1 Timothy 3:1 (ESV))
Paul, in his letter to Timothy, provided him with some guidelines for identifying leaders in church. As we explore this chapter, here are some of Paul’s insights into leadership.
- Noble Task – By highlighting the aspiration for such a leadership role, the person desires the work of the ministry that is honorable, and noble. That is because Jesus’ leadership style is never an inward-looking one, focusing on self. It is one that is focused on others, nurturing and empowering their growth in their journeys with Christ. It is a task where the leader is not served, but serves others.
- Qualifications – With the responsibility of the task in mind, leaders must possess godly characters and spiritual maturity in their relationships with God and community.
- Walk the Talk – While words may motivate, it is often our actions that inspire the people around us. Paul recognised this fact and therefore leaders are to be of good standing in the world.
APPLY:
Even though 1 Timothy 3 focuses on the qualifications of leadership in church, it is very much applicable to us in day-to-day life.
- Not a Church’s leader but a leader nonetheless – While we may not be in a leadership role within the Church, we are likely to have to take the lead in one way or another in life. The call to uphold the said qualifications of a leader therefore applies to us as Christians.
- The Tree that Bears Fruit – 1Timothy 3:7 “Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders…” and 1 Timothy 3:10 “And let them also be tested first.” Just like a field of flowers planted in rich soil that produces blooms at the break of spring, when we are firmly grounded in God’s Word and guided by His Spirit, our lives too will bear the fruit of the Spirit. Then we can truly be living testimonies for God such that even unbelievers can see and taste the goodness of God.
DO:
As I reflect on the personal and spiritual qualifications required of a leader, may I be willing to see areas that I am lacking and seek Christ’s strength to change and grow. May I live out Christ’s style of leadership within my sphere of influence.
PRAY:
Lord, teach me to not just motivate but to be an inspiration to those around me. And even if I am a leader to only one person, may I nurture, encourage and inspire him/her so that he/she may see a reflection of Christ in me. Amen.
