Daily Manna
26.06.12

Who Is Qualified?

TEXT: 1 TIMOTHY 3:1-13

"This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach" (1 Timothy 3:1,2).

Professor Arthur Penrhyn Stanley (Dean Stanley), Dean of Westminster in the 19th Century, speaking on the steadfastness of character said, "Give us a character on which we can thoroughly depend, which we are sure will not fail us in the time of need, which we know to be based on principle and on the fear of God, and it is wonderful how many brilliant and popular and splendid qualities we can safely and gladly dispense with."

Leadership in God’s house is good work, an office of divine appointment, requiring diligence and application. The Lord has spelt out in our reading the qualifications of those fit to take up leadership roles in His Church.

In the world today, there are counterfeits everywhere, whereas genuine disposition in character and attitude is almost taken as a sign of weakness. It is sad to see that denominations replicate the world with people out of tune with the divine blueprint occupying leadership roles. How will a blind man lead the blind into safety? How will a sinner prepare saints for the rapture? Ephesians 5:25-27 tells us the type of prepared believers Christ is coming for:

"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish."

It will take a holy minister to prepare holy saints for the rapture!

Ultimately, every man must give an account of his stewardship to Christ. Those who are in the ministry with fake credentials and make merchandise of others will give account; others with blessed credentials appointed to serve others will also give account.

Thought for the day: "Many are called but only few will be chosen"

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