1 Timothy 3
Scripture
1 Timothy 3:5
“For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?”
Observation-What does it say?
Paul is writing all the characteristics a church leader should have. They should be someone whose life is above reproach. They must be faithful to their spouse, exercise self-control, live wisely, have a good reputation, enjoy having guests at their home, and they must be able to teach. They must not abuse alcohol or be violent. They must be gentle and not quarrelsome, and they must not love money. They must be able to manage their own home life well, having children who respect and obey them. (Verse 1-4)
Understanding-What does it mean?
Godly leadership begins at home.
My wife and I always say that our number one ministry is our children. We know that God has blessed us with these two girls of ours, and it is our responsibility as their parents to teach them about God and His ways. Ultimately, it is our desire to see our children grow up to not only know God, but love God, and serve Him wholeheartedly.
How can we do that? I know as the spiritual leader of the home, I need to set the tone. My life should reflect one that is honoring to God. I should be living a life according to God's standards and not the world's standards. I need to show my family that God is truly number one not only in my life, but in our family's lives! My kids will have no choice but to see that their father not only "talks the talk, but he walks the walk." Lord-willing , they see a man who not only leads at home, but also at work, and even at church. I know if I can manage this "small aspect" of my family's spiritual well-being, I know the effects will only help me when God calls me to lead "bigger things" for the glory of His kingdom.
“Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example.” 1 Peter 5:2-3 NLT
Life Application
To be a good leader, you must first learn to be a good follower (of Christ).
So many of us are so eager to lead and fail to understand the true meaning of leadership. We just like the idea of being able to tell others what to do. But did you ever hear of the saying "too many chiefs, too little indians"? Well, that usually ends up happening when we are all too eager to step into leadership roles. It starts a bickering between parties and creates more chaos than more structure. What we need to do is follow first. Follow the example Christ has set for us. He came to serve, not be served. And when it came down to it, He gave up His own life, to save those He was leading.