Divinely Daily Devotions for Today

WEDNESDAY, 4 JANUARY 2023

TEXT: 1 TIMOTHY 3:1 – 7

1. This is a faithful and trustworthy saying: if any man [eagerly] seeks the office of overseer (bishop, superintendent), he desires an excellent task.

2. Now an overseer must be blameless and beyond reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

3. not addicted to wine, not a bully nor quick-tempered and hot-headed, but gentle and considerate, free from the love of money [not greedy for wealth and its inherent power-financially ethical].

4. He must manage his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity [keeping them respectful and well-behaved]

5. (for if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?).

6. And He must not be a new convert, so that he will not [behave stupidly and] become conceited [by appointment to this high office] and fall into the [same] condemnation incurred by the devil [for his arrogance and pride].

7. And he must have a good reputation and be well thought of by those outside the church, so that he will not be discredited and fall into the devil’s trap.

(Amplified Version Holy Bible)

TOPIC: BE READY FOR SACRIFICE

To desire leadership was such a noble idea at that time because Christians were being persecuted and their leaders were the first targets of such attacks. Therefore, to take a leadership position was a very great responsibility and risk because it required great sacrifice - even the supreme sacrifice. This can be compared to being a Church leader in Northeast Nigeria today where Boko Haram is on rampage.

The qualifications enumerated by Paul were meant to be guidelines for running the Church, the household of God. If we want the Church to run properly and truly glorify God, then these qualifications must be adhered to, even today.

QUESTION: Are you qualified and ready for the sacrifice of leading God's people?

PRAYER: Oh God, teach me to become qualified and give me the grace for sacrifice in leading your people, no matter the risks involved, in Jesus name. Amen.

 

Remain Blessed

ECWA Food For The Day, 2023.