Fulfilled Service
I noticed an interesting relationship while reading the following verses.
It is a true saying that if someone wants to be an elder, he desires an honorable responsibility. For an elder must be a man whose life cannot be spoken against. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exhibit self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home and must be able to teach. He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, peace loving, and not one who loves money. He must manage his own family well, with children who respect and obey him. For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?
An elder must not be a new Christian, because he might be proud of being chosen so soon, and the Devil will use that pride to make him fall. Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not fall into the Devil’s trap and be disgraced. – 1 Timothy 3:1-7
There are several areas of life being written about; they are, church, family, and world. Even though many of the attributes overlap the various spheres of influence, how the elder relates in each is a bit different. Two of them stuck out to me. They are home and church.
In the home the elder is to manage. In other words, he is in charge of discipline, directing and delegating.
However, in the area of God’s church he is to take care of.
These are two rather different job descriptions. It seems to me that there is a very good reason why he needs to manage his family well and have them respect him. If the man is fulfilled at home, then he will have the ability to care for and to serve others, to be able to give of himself selflessly, despite how church members might treat him.
Being fulfilled at home means that he will not be serving, caring for others out of emptiness. He will be giving out some of what he has received.
Father, please help me to be fulfilled at home so that I do have something to share with those outside of my home. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Fulfilled at Home = Cared for Church. Jan
My Journey in God's Word 