Be Fair
Opening Prayer
All-sufficient God, I look to You for all I need. I trust You. Now help me to turn my focus outward from myself.
Read 1 Timothy 5:17-6:2
[17] The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. [18] For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages.” [19] Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. [20] But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning. [21] I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism. [22] Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure. [23] Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses. [24] The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. [25] In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever. [1] All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered. [2] Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers. Instead, they should serve them even better because their masters are dear to them as fellow believers and are devoted to the welfare of their slaves. These are the things you are to teach and insist on. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Do you support your leaders?Overall, church leaders have two responsibilities, according to Paul–to take care of the church and to teach (17,18). Sounds simple. It isn’t. So they need the best support they can get–the highest respect and suitable pay for their hard work. Then they’ll be able to focus fully on the job.Then Paul has more advice, this time for those in charge of local church leaders–Timothy’s job. He counsels: • Treat church leaders fairly (19,20). Don’t automatically assume the worst about them, but don’t let them get away with being clearly in the wrong. • Don’t have favorites (21). It’s not about who you like best. • Don’t rush when selecting leaders (22). If it all goes wrong, it will be a public disgrace for the church. (Then follows a little personal note to Timothy in verse 23.) • Don’t jump to conclusions about your leaders (24,25). We’re all a mix of good and bad. Some hide the bad better, some the good.
Apply
Pray that those who select church leaders will be wise in the way Paul describes.
Closing prayer
I set my heart on You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. You are God, and in You I have all I need.
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