Let Us Live as Our Pastors…and make the tough choices.

• 1 Timothy 3:2 (NKJV) A bishop then must be the husband of one wife…

Are you ready for some controversy?  The church is still trying to figure this qualification out.  What exactly did Paul mean:

• Does being divorced and remarried (having another wife) disqualify a man from being a Bishop?
• Or does it mean that a Bishop should not be a polygamist?
• Can a single man not be a Bishop?
• Can a woman not be a Bishop?
• What exactly is a Bishop?  In other words, are there levels of ministry that have less rigorous qualifications for people to serve?  Or do certain choices permanently disqualify a person from certain levels of service?

These are all very legitimate questions that good and godly people have struggled with.

However, there are a few things we can be certain about what Paul is saying.

For example, we can determine from Paul’s words that:

1. High levels of success and responsibility come with high levels of accountability and restraint.
2. Our choices in life do matter and can have permanent ramification.

We’ve raised a generation of Americans that have been taught that they can do and be anything.  We give our children ribbons, trophies and certificates for just about anything.  Today, everybody is a winner and “fairness” and political correctness rules.  Being narrow, exclusive and judgmental is the unpardonable sin in our society…well if our society believed in sin.

The results are that nothing is sacred and all is common.  Our heroes and role models are air brushed fakes whose lives are managed by press agents.  Their god is fame and fortune and their impact and influence is measured in terms of “entertainment value” or in “what can you do for me.”

I don’t think Paul would be that popular today – in the church or the world.

He insists that there are certain callings and responsibilities that require denying ourselves, separating ourselves and giving of ourselves for a higher call and purpose.

Tough stuff…but then, living a God-honoring life that truly makes a difference is not for the faint hearted.