SINS AND GOOD DEEDS. 1st Timothy 5:24-25 Sin isn't always quickly or easily discovered, and open sin must be clearly identified before assigning someone a position of authority. Decisions about those who lead or might become leaders need careful evaluation. Likewise, good qualities that may be hidden will eventually reveal themselves, showing a person's true character. Our status remains the same, but service for God, done according to His way, will be recognized by God in His timing through the Mediator, our Lord Jesus, who connects us to God. This assures us that God knows everything about us and what occurs as we serve Him.
Christ is also the High Priest who constantly maintains the connection between God and us and can keep us in fellowship with Him even during difficult times. As our Advocate, our Lord Jesus Christ can repair the broken link between God and us, which occurs when we fail or reveal anything that advances His purposes through us.
It is not wise to rush to make important decisions. Not everything is obvious at first; people hide things for many reasons. Some hide what they know is wrong, which is not revealed until later. Other sins are so obvious that the consequences are waiting for him. Never allow the leadership in an assembly to bring scorn upon the Lord’s name. Carefully pass on responsibilities gradually, lest one who is unfit takes a position of authority among God’s people, and later, we will find hidden things in his life that will undermine the assembly testimony.
If someone is not overly talkative about everything they've done, take your time and wait for the right moment. The opportunity will arise to learn about the good things they are involved in; any questions about their qualifications will then be answered over time. Both good and bad aspects tend to be revealed when we wait patiently. The evidence we observe or hear about becomes important when much is at stake. Those whom the Spirit raises up to lead will not be the ones who boast about themselves. A wise and humble person will stay humble until God Himself raises them up to assume God-given authority.
Sins leave a trail behind that cannot be hidden forever. Good deeds, too, can be traced when time reveals what a person did. Sometimes, it is obvious, and both sins and good deeds are seen. Before a decision is made, we must ensure their record is clean, and their testimony will be positive before an observing assembly and the world. Then, we can trust that those who lead us meet God’s qualifications. The test of time proves they can face the challenges that arise in leadership when they protect and guide God's people. Those whom God has raised up among us will act according to God’s Word.
We must be cautious about what can happen if we are not careful when recognizing those whom the Holy Spirit has appointed to lead God’s people. Everything about a person, both good and bad, is known by God. The decisions that must be made for the congregation often exceed a person’s experience in handling everyday life situations. Someone God calls to lead His people has a specific task from God and needs the spiritual discernment and insight that come from experience to handle the challenges of leadership.