Timothy, (More Than Ever) Leader Need to Be Mature and Have A Good Reputation

Supposed to be Timothy's picture.

"[An overseer] must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and the devil's trap"

(1 Timothy 3:6-7, NIV)

Leader Must Be Matured. "Not be a recent convert" also refers to "not a novice" (literally means "newly planted" like a tree) and The Message translated it straight to the point, "not be a new believer." Timothy himself was not ordained to the ministry immediately after he became a believer. It was not until Paul's second missionary journey that he passed again through Timothy's hometown and laid his hands upon him for service. Until Timothy proved worthy (Acts 16:2, Philippians 2:22). The main reason for this is that he does not "become conceited" or "puffed up with pride" like the devil who "fall under the same judgment." Life Application Study Bible comment on verse 6: "New faith needs time to mature. Nee believers should have a place of service but they should not be put into leadership positions until they are firmly grounded in their faith, with a solid Christian lifestyle and a knowledge of the Word of God." A new believer that is not firmly grounded in the faith is easily trapped in the sin of pride. The devil was condemned for the sin of pride (see Isaiah 14:12-15). Beware, be matured!

Leader Must Have A Good Reputation. Popularity doesn’t count. Reputation means what others believe or think about him. Thomas Paine once said, "Reputation is what men and women think of us; character is what God and angels know of us." A leader must not only be right with God (godly character) but also "have a good reputation" in the eyes of men. How many shameful stories do we read in the news of dishonest religious leaders, fall into sex scandals, hoarding people's money, etc? The cause of Christ has suffered immeasurable damage because of such things. Of course, there will be false accusations, all kinds of lies and misrepresentations may be fired by evil men against the man of God who faithfully proclaims the Word of God, but always be careful "not fall into disgrace and the devil's trap." Be sure that the Gospel is the offense, not us. 

God doesn’t look for a perfect and popular leader,
He desires a leader who is mature and has a good reputation.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.