1st Timothy 3:2. “A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach;” POSITIVE CHARACTER TRAITS. Some things are true in every culture, whether here or far away For a man to be considered blameless, he must be moral in what he will do or say. It is really expected of everyone who truly knows Jesus as Lord To stand out is especially important in those leading the people of God.
The expectation of those who follow is that a leader has only one wife For this is more than one’s choice as a leader in assembly life. Both polygamy and promiscuity are forbidden for those who lead. A man needs to be trustworthy if his teaching we’re to heed.
The conduct and deportment of a man tell a lot about who he really is. His manner, his demeanor, and his disposition give value to what he says. There is a dignity in his bearing and actions that helps us to in him trust Our words, questions, and concerns as he gives guidance to us.
There are certain things we can sense in one who shows hospitality. Perhaps it is the warmth and graciousness we know, but can’t really see. There is a generosity that is not affected; an open liberality to all, not just some. We can go to such a one with confidence that when there, we are truly welcome.
When one is going to give information that is needed to train us and to instill Important guidance that is required that we God’s purposes fulfill – We are inclined to learn from one who is intelligent, suited and bright – As they aptly pass on truth from God’s Word, that we may safely walk in His light.
A vigilant person is watchful, not easily overcome by present vogue. His earnest moderation is easily seen; he is not one to laugh at every joke. A brother who has this positive character will not be one who is hard to follow – His character is such that when he speaks, his words don’t sound to us hollow.
“The expectation of these leaders is high, O Righteous God. There are those who feel that no one meets the standards of leadership, so they try to avoid that responsibility. Others looking on criticize by saying those who lead do not meet the criteria. I am thankful that the Holy Spirit raises up those men, and I pray their leadership will be accepted and they will take it seriously and scripturally. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”
Joshua is a good example of a mature leader who was not a novice and could be trusted with the care of the children of Israel. He had been under the leadership and personal guidance of Moses, the servant of God. Now it was his turn to lead God's people. The transfer of leadership is not done by popular vote or by one's own choice, but by recognition as those who have done the work previously and are now given the responsibility of leadership in their own right. Four principles of leadership that are clearly presented in Joshua chapter 1 are: A leader needs to be conscious of the presence of God with him; he needs to be courageous in his own spiritual life; he needs to be acquainted with the word of God; he needs the confidence of the Lord's people. When these are present in a man who has served the saints, he is not hard to recognize by the assembly as one who is a leader.
The manner in which leaders are recognized is less important than the kind of character and ability they have. Serving the Lord's people with grace and enthusiasm sets them apart from others who rule but don't really care for the church of God as a father would care for his children. Leadership responsibilities hold a high standard and have high expectations. When one is passing on spiritual truths, they need to live what they have learned by delegated authority from the Holy Spirit and pass those truths on, by lectures or personal instruction. Spiritual communication does not have to do with how many people we have taught, but how much truth has been passed on. The essential qualifications given are not mere suggestions; in order for the good and noble work of leadership to reach its objectives, spiritual and physical exercise has to be directed to that end. Spiritual maturity is needed for a spiritual work that demands spiritual ability.