True Godliness, 1 Timothy 3:16

True Godliness

1 Timothy 3:16 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

The second phrase was confusing to me. It didn't appear to fit with the description on God written after it. It says it is hard to know what godliness is then it seems to change subjects and talks about Jesus. So, I researched and read what Adam Clarke wrote about it (Clarke on this verse). Then, God opened my eyes...

Godliness is difficult in all its forms. People, including me, have a tendency to define all of life so we don't fail in living out the Word. This is both good and bad. The Pharisees did this and were condemned by Jesus and the apostles. Yet, Jesus, Peter, James and John, and Paul do it to help guide the church because it is necessary. But here, Paul says if you want to know the real way of holiness, It is found in Christ.

Christ was God come to earth as a baby, empowered by the Spirit, recognized by the angels and has returned to heaven. He has been preached to the nations, and people everywhere believe in him. This Jesus, God among us, is the one who exemplifies the word godliness. Sure, it is a mystery, yet this mystery is revealed in the man Jesus Christ.

K and A, the things I teach you are important. I try to lead you in a path that will not fail you and one where you will not falter, yet I do not have all the answers and something I say may be fallible. So, like the Bereans, compare what I say against the Word of God and pray and meditate on them so you may be like Christ. Paul says it this way, follow me as I follow Christ. I say the same to you.

~Dad

Proper Conduct, 1 Timothy 3:14-15

Proper Ocnduct

1 Timothy 3:14-15 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 truth.

Paul did not believe as is taught today. He believed that there is a right way and foolish way to live out your Christian walk. The foolish way would work to destroy the church, and the right way would build it and be a pillar of truth. It is crucial that the people of God conduct themselves properly for the world around them looks to them for stability and trueness.

It appears today that in the world in which we live, especially in America, we desire no authority structure. The Lord created us for structure yet we kick against the goads and fight against the bridle trying to go our own way. But, the Word of God was written for just that, it directs us.

A and K, you must not seek your own truth. You must seek the truth of the Word. It is the foundation of life itself. Proverbs says that there is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. so, conduct yourselves in the way that Scriptures direct. Put your faith in the way of Christ for there you find life.

~Dad

Serve Well, 1 Timothy 3:13

SErve Well

1 Timothy 3:13 Those who serve well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

"Work hard, Do well, Excel"... ever heard that before?

Paul tells Timothy that those who have served well at their leadership position will gain an excel in their faith and their assurance of salvation will grow. There is much talk today about Jesus does it all, we have nothing to do with our salvation. That is reformed theology running strong, but when it runs amuck, people shrink in their faith and often are destroyed.

It is true that we in no way can save ourselves, and it is only through Jesus that we have access the Father, yet we have great responsibility when it comes accepting these truths and in living out our faith. It is God's desire that all be saved, yet most will be lost for eternity for that road is wide and full of wanderers. To walk the narrow road, we must believe that Jesus is the way, we must accept his forgiveness, we must obey his commands.

Much has be said of the puritan work ethic, both negatively and in positive terms. This verse shows the proper understanding of hard work. Here are other verses that show the value of hard work:

Hard work must be done for the Lord or it is done in vain. (me on 1 Cor 15:58)

All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. (Prov 14:23)

Self Esteem is gained when you accomplish something (Grandpa)

K and A, there are many in the church that wonder about their assurance of salvation. what they, and you need to do is this: Verify that your faith in Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. See if you love Jesus - am you obeying the commands of God and of Christ (John 14:15). If these are true then get up and get moving. God has work for you to do. He has given you talents, put them to work for his glory! When you have done this, you will build confidence and strength in your reliance on Christ. This confidence will assure you that Christ will continue his work in your life (Phil 1:6).

Daughters, you are to work for confidence, not arrogance. There is a big difference. You work to please the Lord, to hear those word, not just at the end or time but at the end of each day: Well done my good and faithful servant. No better words can be said to build your faith and assurance in Christ. So, Work hard, Serve well, and excel in your faith!

~Dad

Review, Deacon, 1 Timothy 8-13

9. Review, Deacon

1 Timothy 3:8-13 In the same way, deacons are to be 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 serve well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

This wraps up the qualifications required to be chosen as a deacon. Although similar to an elder, there are some deletions and some additions. Being trustworthy and respected continues to be a very important characteristic. Importance is stressed on having a wife worthy of the position. She must be of good repute, not flamboyant or self-serving, and a woman who can be trusted. Together they will help the poor and disadvantage. They must be able to work together in this role. Also, they way they run their home and raise their children is quite important. If they cannot do that well, then how can they be expected to run the affairs of the church.

K and A, possibly you will be the wife of a leader in the church. Perhaps you will help choose a leader. Remember how important this position is. There is very little mentioned in either an elder or deacon position that alludes to their education or career experience. Paul values spiritual maturity over social status. He understands that worldly success is secondary to an obedient life dedicated to serving God. This is the key.

Daughters, be women who are dedicated to following the Lord. Set your heart on being a godly wife willing to put others needs ahead of your own. God will use you if you are open to being used to lift those around you. A Christian husband will be honored to call you his wife and have you work by his side as you aid him in his ministry before God.

~Dad

9o. Manages His Household Well, 1 Timothy 3:12

Manages His Household Well

1 Timothy 3:12 A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well.

How is managing your household different than managing your children? It is true that children are not only part of the household, they are main concern of the household. That is why the others parts are so important to manage well. A man must have a clear direction and hope for his family. He must be willing to work to see it accomplished. He must stir others to participate in the work and get them to sense the importance of his vision. How does he handle money? How does he treat the members of his family? Does he encourage or lord his authority over them? These and many more attributes are important.

K and A, choose or encourage a worthy husband that will lead his household well. How does he treat you? Does he encourage and build you up? Does he kick you around and speak rough, or will he lift and guide you gently along? If he is like this you will walk close beside him and God will use the two of you along with your children in the work of the Lord. What a joy it is to work side by side serving the Lord together!

~Dad

9n. Manages His Children Well, 1 Timothy 3:12

Manages His Children Well

1 Timothy 3:12 A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well.

Here is a dying trait of a good husband and leader; a man who teaches, trains, and disciplines his children. If they cannot manage his children and keep them orderly, how will they be orderly in the work of the Lord? All too often children are left to themselves to figure out life, to learn right from wrong on their own. In the guise of self expression and self worth, children are encouraged to mark out their own path, to experience life and decide for themselves who God is. A man worthy of leadership is not like this. They train up a child in the way they should go so they will not depart from it.

Someday, ladies, you may become mothers. Encourage your husband to train up your child, to encourage and discipline them. To use a "rod" on them and save their soul from death (Prov 23:14).
Physical discipline is necessary, some children more than others, but it is important for all. If your husband is abusive, report him to the police. But if he lovingly disciplines and train them, support him. You must work side by side and not create division nor confusion during correction. Be on the same page, decide ahead of time how to discipline then raise up young men and women of God. The work of the Lord will go forward when children are well trained to know and love the Lord. Aid in their training.

~Dad

9m. One Wife, 1 Timothy 3:12

9m. One Wife

1 Timothy3:12 A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well.

This is the same phrase that Paul used for the elder of the church, he must be the husband of but one wife. Again I am not sure if it refers to polygamy or divorce. But this I know, more than one wife causes issues of devotion and commitment. Since this is mentioned for both types of leaders we need to pay special attention to it.

Daughters, be married to only one man. Never divorce him. Stick by him. Encourage him. Serve him. Love him. If you do these things (and more), God will effectively use him to grow the kingdom.

~Dad

9l. A Trustworthy Wife, 1 Timothy 3:11

9l, A Trustworthy Wife

1 Timothy 3:11 In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. 

Trustworthy is the final attribute mentioned here for the characteristic of a worthy leader's wife. It is important for us to remember the necessity of a godly wife to a man's leadership role within the church. One cannot faithfully carry out his duties unless supported by a woman who is committed fully to the Lord. She needs to be trustworthy in all she does and says. Her word should be golden. You can count on her faithfulness.

A and K, God is looking for faithful servants. You can be one whom God has chosen, but will you? Chose to be one he can count on. Let your yes be yes and your no, no. Be truthful in all things. Love your husband and serve him with devotion and joy. Never trade him in for anyone else. Just like your relationship with Christ, your marriage is to be true and never ending. Let nothing and no one ever come between you. And in your dealings with others, always deal honestly with them. Never use them for your own gain. Let them see what it means to be a holy and steadfast follower of Christ. God has given each of you talents. Use them for his glory and one day you will hear the words... Well done my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful with a few things. I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joys of thy Lord. What wonderful words to hear from our Savior when this life is over.

~Dad

9k. A Temperate Wife, 1 Timothy 3:11

9k, A Temperate Wife

1 Timothy 3:11 In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. 

In sticking with the importance of character found in a leader's wife, this woman is to be temperate. I normally look at temperate as being not extravagant in actions or talk, but then I found these synonyms  and found them to be appropriate. The following character traits are of important value when seeking a leader, and not just for him but for his wife as well. Here is the list: self restrained, controlled, self denying, gentle, agreeable, and pleasant.

K and A, these traits are desirable in all woman, married and unmarried alike. You need to develop each of them in your life as well. When someone insults you, be temperate. Show restraint. You do not need to retaliate. When your day isn't going well, be pleasant and gentle control yourself. If there isn't much dessert, or enough presents to go around, deny your urge to get what you can or even what is rightfully yours and allow someone else to have it. This is the kind of person God is looking for, the kind of person God wants you to be. And, the kind of daughter that will fill my heart with joy

~Dad

9j Does Not Tear Others Down, 1 Timothy 3:11

9j. Does Not Tear Others Down

1 Timothy 3:11 In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. 

There are those who cannot help but insult others. They are always finding fault with what others do, how they look, or the way they speak. Certainly they know better, they are more refined, more intelligent and obviously more talented. They know, therefor they have the right to straighten out everyone. This is not right for any child of God, but it is of great importance that a leader's wife avoids all such appearance.

A and K, build others up. Your speech is to lift others not used to tear them down. A leaders wife has such an important role. You will be the glue that hold the church together or the wedge that divides them. You need to be the be the quiet spirit consoling, comforting and caring for others. You are to  come along side and encourage. You are to teach, to mentor and exhibit the way of Christ. Those who malign others destroy, but you, you must build the church. That should be your goal, and I know you can do it.

~Dad

Note: Leaders build but that does not mean they never correct others or think that others are never are at fault or doing wrong. If someone is wrong, they are wrong and they must know the are. But, you must not destroy them in the process. Correction must lift others. If it hurts them, then you must find another way to show them. This is so important. Oh, and if you fail and someone is hurt... apologize. Let them know that was not your intent. Never get an attitude and stop caring for others. Always be willing to help others in their walk with the Lord.

9i. WIfe Worthy Of Respect, 1 Timothy 3:11

Wife Worthy Of Respect

1 Timothy 3:11 In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. 

A leader must have a wife who passes the leadership tests as well. Paul didn't want Timothy to set up the leadership in the church with men whose wives were not solid Christians. They too must be worthy of their position, because they will be closely involved alongside their husbands in the work of the Lord. Therefor, these women, like their husbands, must be worthy of respect.

K and A, I pray that someday you will be serving God alongside your husband as he leads those within the church. Whether as a deacon's wife or the wife of a pastor, you will have a great responsibility as you help him lead. You too have the same requirements as him. He is not to be chosen if you are not a respectable person. So, check your attitudes, your actions, and your speech. To they measure up to God's standards? Live in such a way that your husband can be used to lead the people in God's kingdom!

~Dad

9h. Passes The Litmus Test, 1 Timothy 3:10

Passes The Litmus Test

1 Timothy 3:10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

This verse tells me that it is important to check out the person that is being considered for a leadership position. It is not just enough just to look good. A leader must be good. It is appropriate for a selection committee or pastor or church board to validate the qualifications of a candidate for a teaching or leadership role. Who are they, what is their past, how have they grown from past failures? These are valid questions. No one is above being vetted.

K and A, it is easy to go to church and look good among others. For two hours, one can put on their best face and become the kindest, most pleasant, holy looking person, but what are they like in real  day-to-day life? What would people find out about you, daughters, if they checked your web surfing history? What videos do you watch on You Tube, or Netflix, etc... Who would they find on Pandora to be your most listened to music? How is your speech when speaking to your husband, your friends or about others to your friends. Make sure you are holy all week long. Remember that God always sees you. You are constantly being vetted for a position in heaven. I want you to pass that ultimate test, and if you can pass that test, you can pass them all.

~Dad

9g. A Clear Conscience, 1 Timothy 3:9

A Clear COnscience

1 Timothy 3:9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.

We could discuss different parts of this verse; the need to hold on, the idea that the truths are not some shallow list of rules or a shallow love that makes us all feel giddy inside, no there are truths of the scripture that are deep and full, they take effort to comprehend but are so important to our faith, we could also talk about our faith, what it is and why so important, yet today, we will talk about our conscience but more than that we will discuss the need for it to be clear. (and 'll try to make it less than this intro)

It is important that we remain faithful to the truths of the Scripture in our lives. It is not good enough to know what they say we must do them. A leader must be able to live out the truths of the Word. He is not to make excuses that we are all sinners and therefor cannot live a holy life. No! We are to be sinners who have been changed. We are to be a new creation. We must be able to lead knowing we fulfill the commands of Christ and not just teach them.

K and A, when you teach at church or you lead others at work, you must be living out the Christian life. Don't teach, Do as I say, not as I do. This is blasphemy! Live it out in your private life. Live with integrity. Teach with a clear conscience knowing others are watching how you live and how it measures up.

~Dad

9f. Not Pursue Dishonest Gain

9f. Not Pursue Dishonest Gain

1 Timothy 3:8 In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.

Many like to get ahead, seems normal? But those who lie and connive to get ahead, those who cheat and defraud others, they have no place in leading the affairs of the church in any manner! It is extremely important that there are no false dealings by the people of God.

K and A, sadly lies and half-truths permeate the hearts of many within the church. Many think that, to get ahead, one must lie about their status in order to make it in life. You must not be like this. Do not lie about your qualifications nor your abilities. When you have done something wrong, do not say that you have not. Admit your failures when brought to account. Do lie to protect yourself or others. People may think good of you at the time, but later when the truth comes out... no credibility will remain. Live and stand for truth, for honesty is always the best policy.

~Dad

9e. Never Drunk, 1 Timothy 3:8

9e. Never Drunk

1 Timothy 3:8 In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.

As with an elder of a church, a deacon is to never be drunk. I said much about this in a post on October 13th, 8h. and won't repeat all that. This verse states it slightly different. The other verse states they are not to be a drunkard. This one clarifies that to say they will not drink much wine. Never drunk helps us understand the concept of what Paul was referring to here.

K and A, what is the best way to never be drunk? Never drink! This is my encouragement to you. You both grew up with this, sadly you both became related to those who drink. They make no qualms about it. You, be different! Take the higher road. Lead by example and never give into the pressures especially at holidays and weddings. Like many sacred beliefs of the past, many others in the church will scoff at your devotion. Its the best way, never any regrets! Choose the joy that comes from the right Spirit, not from a glass of spirits!

~Dad

9d. Sincere, 1 Timothy 3:8

9d. Sincere

1 Timothy 3:8 In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.

Sincerity is a trait that is not normally talked about. But there are many who never are serious about life. Everything is a joke. There is nothing sacred. you can make fun of anything. A deacon must recognize that there are somethings you never joke about. Some things must be handles with "kid gloves". This is true with hurting people and people who are on the edge. The difficult thing for people is to know who they are and how to recognize their condition. A deacon is to err on the side of sincerity.

K and A, not everything is to be made fun of or make a joke out of. Some things are holy and sacred. Some of these are... sin, drugs or alcohol, marriage, baptism, foot-washing, communion, sexual issues. Those who can't understand this should not be leaders. Also, its fun to joke around with people, but when have you gone too far... If I do not know them or how life has been goin g for them, I like to look at their eyes. If it isn't fun for them, then it isn't funny! Just because you can joke around with them last time, doesn't mean you can today. We don't always know the hurts people carry. Err on the safe side. And, when you make a mistake and go too far, don't ignore their hurt, apologize and ask forgiveness. Do sluff it off with another joke.

Leaders recognize the sacred and care for the hurting. Not everything is a practical joke. There are serious times in life. Show others you care by rejoicing with those who rejoice and mourning with those who mourn.

~Dad

9c. Worthy Of Respect, 1 Timothy 3:8

9c. Worthy Of Respect

1 Timothy 3:8 In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.

An elder in the church is to be respectable. That is a succinct way of saying worthy of respect. Yet, the later phrase, worthy of respect, opens the meaning up a bit. A deacon earns the respect he receives. He is not just a nice guy. No, he lives and acts in such a way that he deserves to be respected. People honor him because he treats others well, because he lives with integrity, because he is wholly devoted to the Lord.

K and A, devote yourself wholly to the Lord. Live in such a way that people automatically respect you. You don't deserve respect just because you hold an office, a position in life. No, it comes to you as a result of your actions and your demeanor. Be the woman others can naturally respect, then lead with authority.

~Dad

9b. Full Of Wisdom, Acts 6:3

9a. Full Of Wisdom

Acts 6:3 Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom,

In my mind, it would be difficult to be full of the Spirit and not full of wisdom. Yet, wisdom, being such a crucial attribute for a leader and in this case, for a deacon, the apostles included it in the choosing of the first deacons. Remember the original trouble they were called to solve, the Hebraic Jews never saw the plight of the Grecian Jews. Whether it was on purpose or just an overlook, we are not sure, but what we do know is the Grecian widows were not getting taken care of, and they were not happy about it. The new deacons had to smooth out a difficult situation by figuring out who was in need without the guise of prejudice. If you ever were in charge of giving money to the needy you know how much wisdom is crucial to your decisions.

K and A, in James it says that if anyone lacks wisdom, you should ask God. God will past your faults and give to you if you have faith and do not doubt! Daughters, as leaders, as teachers, and especially as parents, you need wisdom. There are so many decision that need knowledge beyond what you have. You need a source that help you beyond you own abilities. Go to God, ask him and he will provide.

~Dad

9a. Full Of The Spirit, Acts 6:3

9a. Full Of The Spirit

Acts 6:3 Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom,

In this verse of Acts, Grecian Jewish widows were not being taken care of like the Hebraic widows, so they complained to the apostles. Realizing that they would have to neglect their ministry of the Word of God in order to "wait on tables", the apostles asked for seven men to be chosen to see to the physical needs of the church people. The apostles recognized the importance that these men would be full of the Spirit of God. Because of the deacons' effectiveness, the Spirit moved among the people and the word of God spread.

K and A, I won't get into all it means to be full of the Spirit. First of all that would take quite awhile and because I am not sure all it means... but just the phrase itself gives it quite a bit of meaning, full of the Spirit.

What I will discuss is how important it is for you as a leader to be full of the Spirit. Verse 7 in Acts 6 says: so, the Word of God spread. Holy men and women are needed in all the positions of the church. If you are to be an effective teacher to children or to youth... be holy. If you are going to sing and minister effectively, be full of the Spirit. If you are going to lead VBS, your closeness of God is what makes your efforts successful. Sure, you can work on your own God given and developed talents, but you are ineffective your service to God.

Many serve because they are asked or possibly because it makes them feel good inside. In a way that is good for the church when no one else is willing step up, but that is not why you are to serve. You are to serve for the benefit of the kingdom. You serve because you are God's voice and helping arms of grace to his people. You are to serve so the Word of God can spread. The only way to effectively be Christ to the people you serve is to be full of his Spirit. Open yourselves, ladies. to the presence of God full in your life!

~Dad

9. Qualities Of A Deacon, 1 Timothy 3:8-13

9. Qualities Of A Deacon

1 Timothy 3:8-13 In the same way, deacons are to be 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 serve well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

Deacons - The workers of the church; tending to all that is not in the interpretation and dissemination of the Word, at least that what it appears in Acts when the apostles stated that they could not look after both the affairs of the church and to the ministry of prayer and preaching (Acts 6:2-4). There in Acts it says to make sure the men chosen are full of the Spirit and wisdom. I will mention these two in my list from 1 Timothy...

Qualities of a deacon

• Full of the Spirit
• Full of wisdom
• Worthy of respect
• Sincere
• Doesn't drink enough to get drunk
• Doesn't cheat to get ahead
• Keeps hold of the deep truths
• Has a clear conscience
• Passes the litmus test
• Wife is worthy of respect
• Wife does not destroy others with her talk
• Wife is temperate
• Wife is trustworthy in everything
• Has only one wife
• Manages his children well
• Manages his household well

This list is almost as comprehensive as the one for elders. Deacon too are leaders of the children of God. They aid in the affairs of the body and see to it that all are taken care of. They do not show favoritism or hold grudges against anyone. They seek the hurting and care for their needs. They build up the body and see to it that all are able to overcome the physical trials of life while recognizing how those trials tie to the spiritual health of the believer. This person is crucial to the health of the church,

A and K, you will not be a deacon, but you may be called upon to be one's wife. As with the elder's wife, your integrity does not start the day your husband becomes a leader, it starts now! Be the woman God can use to build his kingdom by living a righteous life. Live it each day!

~Dad

8 Review, Church Elder, 1 Timothy 3:2-7

8 Review, Church Elder

As I was writing explanations for these qualifications of a leader, what kept running through my mind was how poorly the church does at developing and appointing leaders; pastors for the local church. Church pastoral committees and the like looks too much at the style, age, schooling, and ability to deliver a good sounding sermon than they do at these individual character traits denoted by Paul. It is so crucial for the stability and growth of the believers for this position to be taken seriously. After all, they give spiritual direction to the local church. They are the shepherds and caretakers of the flock.

A and K, you will not be a pastor of a church, but you will have influence in your church. When you have the chance to lead, do so with integrity. That isn't done by how you talk or handle yourself at that specific time, rather it is how you have developed these qualities in your life up to that time. Put these traits into your being, live them, become the leader God calls you to be! It take preparation. Start now.

~Dad

8o. Good Reputation, 1Timothy 3:7

80. Good Reputation

1 Timothy 3:7  He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devils trap.

Is the man respected by non-Christians as well as with people inside the walls of the church? Do people of the world despise his presence or do they appreciate them being in their midst? This is the last qualification mentioned for an overseer of the church. That certainly doesn't mean that it is any less important that the others. Some Christians are too brash, to in-your-face to be accepted by those outside the church. It is not that the world can't relate to him, no it is that they cannot stand to be with him.

K and A, do the non-Christians who you work around run when they see you coming? Do they feel you are coming at them with an agenda to hit them over the head with your Bible, always condemning them in everything they do? I doubt it, but please do not become like today's worldly church that believes it must become like them to win them. No, you can retain your separation and still be accepted by them.

Let me give a personal example... when a person from our church found out that I got the job at Tech, they scoffed at the thought. They just new I would not be able to relate to the students for I was much too religious for today's youth. After I taught for awhile and mentioned how I enjoyed teaching and how well things were going in the classroom they were shocked! You see, I never became like the students. We had very little in common. The students knew where I stood on spiritual issues and they saw it carry out in my daily life. They never saw me loose my temper and curse and swear. They never heard me make sexual innuendos or tell sexual jokes. My actions matched my beliefs. But,  I did see and heard of other teachers who would do such things, especially subs... point being you do not have to be like them to win them! I was well respected and had little discipline issues in the classroom. My reputation was strong and well I was well received.

Daughters, I said that to say this. Don't be a "bible-thumper" and Do not change your values and convictions to fit in with the crowd/co-workers. Love others with the love of Christ and care for their needs. Be real, your spirituality must not be faked. Serve others and seek their best, then you will have a reputation that is impeccable!

~Dad

8n. Mature Christian, 1 Timothy 3:6

V8n. Mature Christian

1 Timothy 3:6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgement as the devil.

This is so important. Many church authorities look at a person's natural abilities or at their educational qualities... what are their talents and gifts. But, that is minor in the scheme of things. What is their spiritual acumen? How spiritually sounds are their judgements. Once that is established, then you look at their natural or learned abilities.

K and A, I want you to excel in all you do... work hard, do well, excel!

K, I want you to be the best, most caring nurse, moving up and becoming the best supervisor helping others to excel in the field and caring for the sick and the elderly!

A, I want you to excel at the piano, for it to be natural and for you to learn how to play all the other instruments. I want you to sing with excellence, in tune and full, then to be effective at teaching others to be the same.

Yet, that is so immaterial and worthless if you do not have a sound, growing relationship with Christ and his Spirit. For me to know that you are a servant of Christ and submissive to the wisdom and knowledge of the Spirit is worth so much more! And when you combine this with what I desire for you, God will make you the nurse who know everything and loves and cares for her patients. You will be the singer that carrying the word of God to others through song. You will be the one who develops young people to use their talents for the Lord's work. Daughters, grow up in the Lord, be submissive to the Spirit and become the leader God wants you to be.

~Dad

A side note... a Biblical truth found in this verse.... can one lose their salvation? This verse says yes. If a man becomes conceited as a leader of God's church, he will be thrown in the lake of fire for eternity, the judgement saved for the devil and his angels. How we act, shows our true heart and can condemns us to a fiery forever.

8m. Manage Family Well, 1 Timothy 3:4-5

8m. Manage family Well

1 Timothy 3:4-5 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 family, how can he take care of God's church?)

Manage - to control or direct, to be the head of
Obedient - to willingly comply, to be submissive to

The head of the local church must be a good manager of his personal life, especially his family. He needs to make wise decisions which will result in the advancement of the family . This deals with the spiritual and physical decisions as well as financial ones. He needs to be the head of the home and in control of the decisions. Every decision may not be the best, yet he will take ownership of his mistakes and learn from them. He will treat his wife well and properly discipline his children so that they will comply with his directives. They will listen and learn from him, for he will not allow them to be out of control. If they are, they will submit to his correction with respect. This is the kind of man you can trust to direct the church.

K and A, I pray that this is the kind of husband you will have as well. Help him become that person. Do your part in developing these character traits in his character. Do not be satisfied with a slacker! Stir him on to do great things! Help him train your children. Never argue with how they are to be disciplined in front of the children. Figure that out before you have them (before you marry is best) and when something unexpected comes up, trust him to make the right choice or deal with it at a later time away from the children's ears.

Helping him become a great leader in your home will prepare him to be a leader in the church, maybe even a pastor or missionary. You will be able to serve with him where ever God wants leads you!

~Dad