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Scripture
Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.
A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 3:1-3, 8-13
Reflection
My dad used to always tell me, “Be mindful of the titles you give yourself and the ones you accept, as you will be held accountable to them and at a higher standard.” I think that some of us forget the weight, magnitude, and implications we assume and carry when we make the choice to accept a title or a role. Yes, family, with that title comes great responsibility.
When you have chosen to lead others through teaching, ministry, a family, or an organization—you are responsible and accountable for how your actions (or lack thereof) impact those people. You are serving as a role model; even if you’re not sure of all of the details, you know that folks are looking to you. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about doing what’s right, noble, honorable, respectful, and dignified.
Are you walking with God or trying to be Him? Are you properly managing the power that He’s gifted you, or are you careless and reckless with it? Are you taking care of those people and things that He’s entrusted to you, or are you being neglectful and abusive?
We know that historically the reference to leadership was oftentimes slanted towards men, and we tend to default to that even now, but God calls on us to lead and manage, regardless of gender, as He has individual and collective plans for all of us. So let’s not get caught up in the semantics and clouded by the lack of context, and instead focus on the matters of the heart, God’s heart, and how He wants us to engage with Him and with each other.
You must live a respectful life, treating others with dignity, being careful not to harm feelings, and being remorseful when you do; refrain from harboring ill will, grudges, and a laundry list of wrongs committed against you; love fully and intentionally, without backup plans and side deals; and never place your wants before the needs of those you love.
When you hurt someone, keep a vow to never do harm again. Try your best to right the wrong. Someone’s tears of pain and sorrow should never be something that you are okay with creating and witnessing.
If you control yourself, you will never feel as though someone else is succeeding at controlling you. When you respect others, you never have to fear losing respect. Put God first in all of your decision-making, and watch how He makes things fall into their rightful place.
Prayer
Father, I ask that those of us who wish to serve, who have been called to serve, who feel the presence over us to serve, do so with a full understanding of Your expectations. I pray that You touch the hearts and minds of those individuals who attempt to serve yet fail to take care of their moral responsibilities. I pray that You touch the hearts of those who fail to be faithful to their spouses and their families, and those who are struggling with being good managers of that which You have asked them to steward.
Curb my appetite for unhealthy things. Strengthen me that I might always seek comfort in You and not in this world. Turn me away from those things, places, and people that will distract me from You and our joint mission.
Let me not be self-absorbed, self-centered, selfish, superficial, and shallow. I desire respect so that is what I strive to give others. I humbly pray these words to You Father, in the Name of Jesus, Amen.
And with that family, I pray that you are blessed, that you see and embrace your blessings, and that you are a blessing to others.
Love,
Natasha
Copyright 2012-2023. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. BreakingBreadWithNatasha.com
Music: Climb by Shane Ivers; Quiescent In Time by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com
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