Wednesday, June 21, 2017

A Noble Task

Today’s Bible Reading:  2 Kings 6-7; 2 Chronicles 20; 1 Timothy 3

Journal Entry on a passage from today’s reading:
Topic: Service



SCRIPTURE:  1 Timothy 3:1

Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. (1 Tim 3:1 NIV)


OBSERVATION:

Leadership is not for everyone; not everyone is gifted for leadership; not everyone is called to a position of leadership. It is true to say, however, that those who do aspire to leadership in Christ’s Church are desiring to take on a virtuous vocation. Note that Paul is not saying that the person who desires leadership is noble, but that the position of leadership is noble. In the original Greek, the word Paul uses for “overseer” is episkopees. Unlike the gift of leadership, proistamenos, a more general term for leadership (Romans 12:8), episkopees denotes leadership specifically in the Christian church such as the office of a bishop or, other designated positions of oversight in the church.


APPLICATION:

There are some roles in life that individuals are gifted for by our Creator. There are some roles that Christ clearly calls some people to fulfill. As noted above, Paul does not state in this passage that those who are “called” to leadership in the Church desire a noble task, but rather he who “sets his heart on being an overseer” desires a noble task. The language here seems to be an extolling of the leadership positions in the Church rather than necessarily a revering of the persons who take those roles. So it isn’t wanting to be a leader that is noble, it is the role itself that is a noble task. In my opinion, to take such a leadership position in Christ’s Church, one should not just personally want the responsibility, but should clearly know that Christ has called them to pursue the role. 


PRAYER:

Lord, thank You that Your plan for individual lives is not hidden, but that You make known Your calling to us when we seek You to reveal it to us. We know that not every step on the path may be revealed, but as we step forth in the direction of Your choosing for us, thank You for graciously continuing to light the way as we pursue Your calling.
By the word of the Father, the presence of the Son, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Amen.  -AP

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