NEGATIVE CHARACTER TRAITS. 1st Timothy 3:3. Those who lead believers in an assembly should set a good example of conduct and be aware that new or untrained Christians might imitate their mistakes. “If it is okay for them, then it is okay for me.” There are people around us who tend to drink heavily. Their reasons vary widely. Some do it for social reasons; they claim it helps make conversations easier and insist that the side effects are not too bad. Drunkenness is often accompanied by loud talking, angry words, perversion of justice, confusion of thoughts, and slurred speech. It can result in disorderly behavior, poor judgment, and bad decisions.
A greedy person has an excessive desire to accumulate things, whether they need them or not. This passage discusses someone who wants more money and plans dishonest methods to obtain it. Such a person is never satisfied and is contrasted with someone who is patient and can endure life's trials and poverty without complaining. Those who are so greedy are never satisfied regardless of what they have—they always desire more. It is unwise to trust a man like that. You will not receive good advice from his covetous actions; he may have a covetous nature.
Others enjoy a good argument. Arguing over serious or trivial matters comes naturally to them. A brawler tends to be violent and quarrelsome. For some reason, they believe they must always win every argument and that things should go their way. Deep down, they know the difference, but they don’t see that losing influence and credibility as trustworthy is the usual consequence of confrontation; they win the argument but often lose respect.
Still, others boast of the deals they made, but many were shady, generating more money than was reasonable profit. They do not stand the test of righteousness. Covetousness and greed are closely linked, with the difference being that greedy people are determined to get what they want. A covetous person can harbor an insatiable desire for something hidden for a long time, even when they know it is wrong.
Some never succeed in obtaining what they covet, but their desire still lingers in their minds. In the Bible, we read that covetousness can lead to murder [Pro.1:18-19], lust, and apostasy. A person with that trait will not make fair decisions because they tend to associate covetousness with those who possess what they want. For some reason, they fail to see that a man whose words are weighty is the kind of person both God and men will seek to bless.
When someone is a believer, there are things we must set aside, just like clothing when it is dirty and needs washing. You won’t find people willing to follow those who mock moral living. Instead, they trust a man who, through his life, has worked hard, taken care of his family, met his obligations, and is willing to pass on good, solid advice he has learned through experience and from the word of God.
Don’t listen to get-rich schemes or those who live only for entertainment. Focus on those who commit to holy living before God and others. Such individuals can be trusted and are satisfied with what they have. They have earned our respect through sacrificial giving.
Character is constantly developing; some aspects are innate, while others are consciously adopted. These qualities become clear to those who know us through our typical actions and behavior. When we intentionally perform acts of grace to help or benefit others, we persist until the wrong is corrected, and the person God uses commits to what is right.
A leader in an assembly must “Not be contentious, not looking for a fight.” (C.H. Spurgeon). He is not violent or inclined toward demanding, provocative, or quarrelsome behavior, regardless of who he is with. He can withstand being maligned and mocked without retaliating. The temptation of quick riches does not distract him from his work because he is not greedy for money. Covetousness erodes character and wastes the time of those who are content, patient, and reasonable. He must be patient in spirit and willing to relinquish his rights. A gentle person listens well, accepts criticism, and allows others to serve. He is a peacemaker, not short-tempered, and can disagree without being disagreeable. He is satisfied with what he has, so he isn’t covetous or overly concerned with money, popularity, fame, or advancement. A godly family man is consistent both at home and in church. He “presides over…” and “takes care of…” his family and the Lord's people as one would care for an injured person, like in the story of the good Samaritan.