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Daily Bible Studywith SEEDS OF THE KINGDOM

Updated: Sunday, 8 November 2009, 9:00 (GMT)

7 September 2008 | 1 Timothy 3:1-7

What I say is true: Anyone wanting to become an overseer desires a good work. An overseer must not give people a reason to criticize him, and he must have only one wife. He must be self-controlled, wise, respected by others, ready to welcome guests, and able to teach. He must not drink too much wine or like to fight, but rather be gentle and peaceable, not loving money. He must be a good family leader, having children who cooperate with full respect. (If someone does not know how to lead the family, how can that person take care of God's church?) But an elder must not be a new believer, or he might be too proud of himself and be judged guilty just as the devil was. An elder must also have the respect of people who are not in the church so he will not be criticized by others and caught in the devil's trap.

Notes

Today's reading is about leadership. Not about the theoretical knowledge that the leader must have, but about his or her character. The list is exhaustive and difficult to attain. God is calling people of all ages into leadership roles within his church and this could mean you. These leaders need to be above reproach and firmly rooted in their relationship with God. This is a tall order and only attainable if God is the one calling the person and not themselves. Is this something that God is calling you to do? This calling could be in the early stages, it may be just a hunch or other people may have seen the potential in you and told you so.

Even though this calling is not for the faint hearted, we need to answer God's call on our lives whatever it may be. If you feel that God may be speaking to you, talk to a mature Christian or Church Leader that you trust, ask God to make things clearer, but most of all say yes to God - whatever the cost, because God does know best and can be trusted.

God does not call everyone into leadership roles within the church. Make a point of asking God what he would like you to do with your life today.

Prayer

Dear Lord God. We thank you that you call people into all different kinds of work in your church. Please help us to see more clearly the role that you would like us to play. Help us to become mature in our faith and to live the lives that you would be pleased with. In Jesus name we pray. Amen

Today's Writer

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