1 Timothy chapter 3 reminds me of a recent gun safety class. The first and most important rule is to always treat every weapon as if it is loaded. Carelessness with powerful tools can cause great damage. Today’s lesson is about recognizing our vulnerabilities. Paul continues his letter to Timothy by listing qualifications for church leaders. He begins with elders, those that guide the long-term direction of the church. Paul says this is a “noble task”; implying it carries heavy responsibility. First, he should be “above reproach”. He should have a well-established reputation. He should be “faithful to his wife”. Obviously, that means he should be married and stable. Next Paul lists “temperate” and “self-controlled”. Together this means, not trigger-happy or quick to shoot off at the mouth. Paul includes “hospitable”, meaning they open their home to guests. Paul adds, “able to teach”. Teaching a subject is often the best way to truly learn it. Elders need to have a living knowledge of God’s Word. Paul adds, “not given to drunkenness”. I think this directly relates to recognizing risks. Lowered inhibitions can make us more reckless. For some, alcohol is also related to the next qualification; “not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome”. Words unloaded in anger can cause permanent damage. The Prince of Peace should never be represented with angry outbursts.
Paul continues the list with “not a lover of money”. Paul is targeting their motivation. Elders should love mercy. People become casualties when we aim at selfish gain. Perhaps the next verse is linked. He is to “manage his own family well… his children obey him”. It can be a challenge to balance work, home and family. Great managers solve problems with cooperation. Great dads earn the “full respect” of their children. Paul asks, if he cannot maintain his home, “how can he take care of God’s church?” Paul adds another important requirement. “He must not be a recent convert”. The rationale is simple; he may “become conceited”. Half-cocked elders can easily fall into “disgrace” by believing they are bullet-proof. Our pride can get in God’s way. Paul calls it the “devil’s trap”. Humility is often acquired through failure.
The chapter closes with the qualifications of deacons. These are the servant-leaders within the church. They take care of the physical needs of the body of believers. Paul says they should be “worthy of respect”, and “sincere”. They should not be untrained novices without any accomplishment. Nor should they be prone to “indulging in much wine”. Paul notes that they must “hold to the deep truths of the faith”. That begins with understanding that God’s mercy and forgiveness if free to everyone who believes. Paul insists they “first be tested”. Not in book knowledge, but with hands-on experience. Paul includes women in this group, noting they should not be “malicious talkers, but… trustworthy in everything”. It seems women tend to use different weapons. Finally, a deacon should be “faithful to his wife”, and “manage his… household well”. We need to protect our home first, only then can we carry the message to the world around us. My friend, please be careful with the tools God allows you to use.