Scripture: 1 Timothy 3.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

1 Timothy 3:14-15 (NLT)

14 I am writing these things to you now, even though I hope to be with you soon,

15 so that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth.

APPLICATION
(How Can I apply what God is saying here to my circumstances today?)

I have often heard the first parts of this chapter read, because Paul details to Timothy the characteristics of an Elder/Pastor, then he followers with those of a Deacon. Yes I was keenly aware that these positions often lead the tone and character of the remaining church congregation, but as I read this passage again today I was reminded that this was emphasized in recognition of, and because of the true leadership and purpose of the church, Jesus Christ. In other words, the church represents the living God – the pillar, the foundation, the leader of and the divine Master of His church here on earth. When I take that phrase into consideration, I suddenly realize that if I worked at the White House, I would be expected to meet certain moral characteristics, a clean criminal record, and a step above the expectations of a government worker because I would be part of the team taking care of the country’s leader. How much more important for me to be that ‘step above’ in moral character, devotion to God, untarnished by worldly actions and/or abuse of my God-given design in order to be like Jesus in every way? This helped to remind me that the reason I want to be the perfect deacon is not just for me to ‘look good’ in the eyes of my pastor or my church or my family, but because I don’t want to flaw the character of God and His church in any way. Being a proud worker of the White House is nothing in comparison to being a worker in the kingdom of God. Oh that I may be reminded of the privilege, the honor and kingship of Jesus Christ, anytime that I am tempted to dishonor the privilege in serving as a deacon in my church. It is God that I must honor and represent in all that I do, not for any credit or recognition of my own.

PRAYER
(With God’s help, what am I going to do differently today because He said it?)

Father, this is quite a reminder about whose I am, verses who I am. May I never bring dishonor to the position You have honored me with in my local church, but most importantly may I never dishonor You and the wonderful name of Jesus that must be proclaimed and honored in the church of today so that Your work and Your will might be accomplished in the town of Avon Park, the state of Florida, this fair country and even to the utmost ends of the earth. To God be the glory for all great things accomplished in Your church today, and may deacons or elders appointed by Your church never be a stumbling block to the great work that You will accomplish in Your church.

 

àWords underlined may be a hyperlink to a song that God laid on my heart while sharing this devotional this morning. Click it and be blessed by the song, like I was when I listened to it! …… I would be overjoyed to have the opportunity to pray with you about a need in your life that may, or may not have been highlighted by this Nugget today. Why not drop me a note and tell me about it? You may email me at:
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