Yes I am 30 so getting close to being elderly, but that is not what this post is about. This past week in the tranquility of Lake Superior while hiking through the splendor of Isle Royale, I was challenged to live my life as if I were an elder. Paul gives a list of characteristics, qualities, and morals for someone desiring to be an elder in his first letter to Timothy. While I am not seeking to be an elder in my church at this time, and may never be one, I am convicted to try to live my life to meet those same requirements as given to Timothy.
"Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.
Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.
A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well. Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great:
He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory."
Above reproach - We are called to avoid even the appearance of evil and to flee the evil desires of youth. So many times I put myself in situations where I could get in trouble even though I don't. As my dad once said to me, I should be like an old gun that has to have the triggers set before it fires. Why set the trigger if you do not intend to fire. In other words, why put yourself in bad situations where things could go wrong or be perceived as wrong?
Husband of but one wife - Purity, purity, purity. Such a struggle in our generation and society. Everywhere we turn we are confronted with lust (even on an island like Isle Royale). Though I only intend to marry one woman and divorce is not an option for me, we are reminded that even if you look at a woman with lust you have committed adultery with her (same for women looking at men). We are exhorted to treat "younger women as sisters with ABSOLUTE purity." To me absolute leaves no room for gray or questions. This is an area in my life where I must not rest or give the enemy a foothold.
Respectable (Good reputation with outsiders) - What do others think of me? Do they see Christ in me? Am I living Matthew 5:16?
Not a lover of money - Matthew 6:33 calls us to seek first His kingdom. We are reminded that where our treasure is there our heart will be also. As Randy Alcorn states in the Treasure Principle we are not given more wealth to increase our standard of living, but rather our standard of giving. If we are faithful with little then He will give us much as He knows we will be faithful with that as well. I find myself asking myself where am I fulfilled? It is truly when I am seaking His kingdom first in using my gifts, giving cheerfully and generously, and serving His people. I find even my faith is strengthened when I give and serve. Paul hit the nail on the head when he wrote, "Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus."
The list goes on to include temperate and self controlled, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkeness, gentle, not quarrelsome, manages his own family well, sincere, and tested. Again as I see divisions in the church and between friends, I am reminded of the need for many of these characteristics. So many issues could be avoided if we lived with the above ideals. If grace was on our every breath then we would be so much closer to attaining the character of an elder. I know I am tested daily. I wish I could say that I passed each test in all of these areas. That must be what I strive for. It must be a part of my training in Godliness. I am a masterpiece as God does not create junk. I must allow Him to chisel away the rough edges. The God who created me will finish the work He began. Even when I tire of trying and failing, I am reminded that His strength is perfect when mine is gone.
The final thing that hit me was how Paul includes the wife of the elder/deacon. Note how the wife of the elder is portrayed. "In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything." The wife of an elder should be a woman of Proverbs 31; a woman of Godly character! Waiting is hard at times, but to find the woman of that stature and character is worth it. To wait for the woman or man who loves the Lord more than you and whose heart is so buried in the Lord that you must seek Him to find it is a great task, yet one of great gain and long lasting satisfaction. That is my prayer and heart's cry for my relationships and my future spouse if God so leads. I pray the same is true for her.
Until that time may I be found waiting, serving, growing as an "elder", and anticipating joyfully with my hand always to the plow!
To "God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen. " (1 Timothy 6:15-16)
