On to Chapter 3, Paul is talking to Timothy about Bishops and Deacons, AKA – Leaders in the church.  It’s a rocky subject at times, who should be allowed to serve in what positions.  Especially in Youth Ministry.  Volunteers?  Worship band members?  Guest Speakers?  Sponsors?  Leadership team members? ETC?? 

⁶He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil

In Chapter 3 there are some great guidelines to follow, and qualities to look for in a Christian Leader.  But should they be followed always 100%?  Does someone who wants to help out in the church need to be at a certain place spiritually?  Do we measure their relationship with God before allowing them a place to serve?  I think a lot of churches operate this way.  There are positives and negatives to this view.  Others would say that anyone can serve, and attempt to mold and grow that person towards God as they offer themselves in service.  Which is a better view?  Most of the time, I would probably side with the latter opinion.  But then again, I don’t have a teenager.  I would imagine some parents wouldn’t want certain people working with their teenager, even if the church is planning on “molding and growing” them.  So what do we do?  Pray.  One day at a time.  One person at a time. One relationship at a time.  Living in community.  Always taking a stand on the side of Grace, Mercy, Love, but also Justice. Lord help us.

²Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, selfcontrolled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, ³not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money

In any case, it’s a great chapter to remember as we prepare daily for the ministry God has in store for us.  To strive towards these characteristics, but overall….to strive to Love God, and live in and towards that Love.