Jump Start # 3433

  1 Timothy 3:1 “It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of an overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do.”

Our verse today launches into what is commonly called the qualifications of an elder or bishop. These are more the qualities and characteristics of a godly leader than simply “qualifications.” It seems that a lot of attention is placed upon the word “aspires.” We’d simply say, “does he want it?” If a person has too much desire, it’s not looked upon kindly. Ego and attitude may be out of alignment. However, if a person doesn’t want it, then he won’t do it. There seems to be a balance here. Not too much and not too little.

But another expression from our passage that isn’t talked about much is the phrase, “a fine work.” The work of shepherding people is just that, a work. It’s people work. It’s kingdom work. It’s not a title or an upward movement in kingdom. It doesn’t mean being the boss.

It is a work that a man is signing up to do. And, the work is long. It is hard. It often gets little praise and only noticed if something isn’t hitting on all cylinders.

It is a work keeping everyone going in the right direction and everyone connected. We tend to push each other’s buttons. We tend to step on one another’s toes. We tend to bump and bruise one another. And, when there is friction in the flock, the sheep do not do well. This is true in real flocks and this is true in God’s kingdom. Throw in just enough jealousy, and sprinkle some gossip on top and you’ll have all the things you need for a one way trip through nightmares. Some are babes and some are out right babies. Some are not happy unless they are miserable. And, when some talk, it’s only to complain. One guy said, “The church would be great if it wasn’t for all the people.” Well, that’s what church is, people. A mixture. Jew and Gentile. Master and slave. Male and female. Some with a long history of knowing the Lord and others you are first generation.

Here are some thoughts:

First, while it is a WORK, it is a work that can be done. This isn’t an impossibility. This is not a suicide mission. Working with God’s word as a basis, and teaching hearts that love the Lord, growth, change, equipping can take place. This is a work in which the shepherd needs to build trust. This is something that the shepherd needs to know God’s word.

Second, this isn’t a work that one does alone. When God’s organization is described, it’s always in the plurality. So, with other men, who are trained, talented, gifted and God-fearing, the shepherd has a team to help him. Others will bring in perspectives that he may not have thought about. Others will remind him of passages that he forgot about. With each other, all after the same goal, holding up each other’s hands, the work gets done.

Third, this is the greatest work that this man will ever do. It’s a work which he likely will not get paid for. It’s a work that often gets little attention or praise. Most will never know about the prayers the shepherd prays for the people he is working with. Most won’t know of the conversations, Bible studies, and numerous times he has reached out to help a family get stronger in the Lord. The church sees this man on Sunday and they may wonder what he does. He knows. The Lord knows. And, truly that’s all that matters.

This work is the greatest because the shepherd is changing lives for eternity. He is reminding people of a commitment that they forgot to keep. He finds the ways to pull a marriage together that was nearly falling apart. He helps others grow and develop and become useful in the kingdom. He sees a congregation that is getting stronger and closer to the Lord. While many point their praise to the preacher, it’s truly the shepherds that have been the backbone of the congregation. He knows. The Lord knows.

The work of leading God’s people should not be taken lightly. There are so many who are doing a marvelous job in different parts of the kingdom. They are a blessing to those who are guided by them. Yet, there are still some who carry the title “Bishop,” or, “elder,” and it’s viewed upon as a promotion in the kingdom. Double standards, indifference and a lack of Biblical leadership, have made many to question such leaders.

He leadeth me, is what the Psalmist said in the great Shepherd Psalm (23).

Roger