Living Up

The way others see us matters.

The saying is sure: whoever aspires to the office of bishop desires a noble task. Now a bishop must be above reproach, married only once, temperate, sensible, respectable, hospitable, an apt teacher, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, keeping his children submissive and respectful in every way for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he take care of God's church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may be puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace and the snare of the devil. Deacons likewise must be serious, not double-tongued, not indulging in much wine, not greedy for money; they must hold fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them first be tested; then, if they prove themselves blameless, let them serve as deacons. Women likewise must be serious, not slanderers, but temperate, faithful in all things. Let deacons be married only once, and let them manage their children and their households well; for those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these instructions to you so that, if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth. Without any doubt, the mystery of our religion is great: He was revealed in flesh, vindicated in spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among Gentiles, believed in throughout the world, taken up in glory. - 1 Timothy 3:1-16

I think this may be the only place where we learn how a deacon, bishop or woman must behave, or how they should run their lives.

As a deacon, I try to interject some humor into the conversation from time to time.  After reading this, I wonder if I come across as less serious when I do that.

I am definitely not double-tongued, if by that Paul means saying one thing to someone and a different thing to another, or being deceitful in speech.

I believe people should say what the mean, and try not to be mean when they say it.

Now the wine thing could be a problem.  I like my wine, but I don't like feeling the effects of too much wine, so I stay clear of that.  Maybe for Lent, I will give it up completely and see if the pounds start to fall off.

I am not greedy.  I tend to use my money to share with others, which brings me joy.  So, I am good there.  Could do more, I guess.  We all could.

That brings us to holding fast to the mystery of the faith with good conscience.  

If by that Paul means my words regarding my faith must be true, I fully agree.  I believe the Holy Spirit guides me in all things I do and say, and I try to stay faithful to the truth of my faith.

So, am I living up to the role I have as a deacon?

Now, it is interesting that Paul mentions bishops, deacons and women, and not other men.  (Priests weren't part of the church back then.)

What about the other men? Are they not held to the same standards?

Maybe that is why Jesus needs bishops, deacons and women.  To help the men.

More to come...