“Christian” is a lifestyle, not a title.

Scripture Read: 1 Timothy 3:1-7 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. ² An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, ³ not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. ⁴ He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity ⁵ (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), ⁶ and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. ⁷ And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Application: Often, we come to a passage that does not speak directly to us, we have the tendency to just pass over it thinking it does not apply to us. We should never limit what the Holy Spirit will do with all of the Scriptures. This section is about qualifications for elders, but let us not allow ourselves the ability to ignore the wonderful truths that are communicated here for our benefit. That does God's Word a disservice. This list Paul gives of qualities that elders should have is a list that all of us should use as our own guide. Whether we have the position of elder or not, every child of God is an ambassador for the Lord Jesus Christ, as such we should do our best to represent Him in all we do. (1 Cor. 10:13) Consider the descriptions:

Temperate: to be moderate, self restrained; not extreme in opinion, statement, etc. to be moderate as regards indulgence of appetite or passions, especially in the use of alcoholic liquors; not excessive in degree. We are to be modest and controlled in our life. This would cover all we do and how we act. It does not mean we cannot have fun, engage in issues of our culture or enjoy the good things of this life. It is more about not swinging too far over in any extreme direction.

Prudent: wise or judicious in practical affairs; discreet or circumspect; careful in providing for the future; provident. This communicates that we have a serious edge on our life, it does not mean we don't have a sense of humor, but that we understand what is really important. An example would be; “the social gospel”, if we only help someone not be hungry but allow them to go well fed to hell we missed it and are not prudent! Yes, we should have empathy for the hungry and feed them when sharing the love of Jesus, but they need more than just their physical appetite quenched, spiritually they are starving and we have the spiritual food they need.

Respectable: worthy or esteem, of good social standing, reputation. We should be well ordered; not in continual confusion or a life of unaccomplished plans. People see when we have a purpose and to see that purpose come to fruition.

Hospitable: receiving or treating guests or strangers warmly and generously; characterized by giving warmth and hospitality; favorably receptive or open to new ideas and people. Whether an extrovert or introvert, it matters not, the love of Christ should motivate our life to care for people, no matter who they are and to invite them to be a part of our life. This will require us to open our life up to people. God did not call us to be hermits and live alone. It is important to take a moment, pause from our lives, and really look at the qualities that we're showing to others. The Holy Spirit desires to reproduce the character of Jesus Christ in all of us.

 

Meditation Questions: When you think of Character development, what do you consider; your position in the Church; your title, or the fact that you represent Him? What does that say?  Looking at these four qualities, where would you say you are the strongest? Where would you say you are the weakest? What should you not do concerning the area you are strong in? What should you do concerning the area you are weak in? Why is this important?