This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
There are several things I find interesting in this chapter of the Bible. I find it interesting that the office of a bishop, the concept of behavior in church, and the great doctrines concerning Christ in the last verse, are all placed together. Christ, His churches, and those who serve in them, are inseparably tied together.
I wish to focus attention on the word desire. “If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.” There is no doubt that the work of the ministry is a good work.
- That does not mean it is good work in that it pays well.
- It does not mean it is good work in that it is easy to do.
- It does not mean it is good work in that it elicits the respect of others.
It is a good work in that it is needful, useful, and ultimately good.
To desire to do it is admirable.
But to desire to do it is not the same as God’s calling to do it. The Word of God springs right from that to the qualifications for the work. The desire to do it is good. But that is not good enough to enter the work. It is such a good work that those who enter it must count the cost, weigh the qualifications and put their hands to the plow without looking back.
A well-known man in my circle is noted for encouraging people to go into the missions field even if they do not believe they are called. He says something like, “If you plant churches, win souls, and impact your world for Christ, don’t you imagine God will forgive you if you haven’t been called?” Unfortunately, this philosophy has wrecked countless people who have entered the ministry unprepared. It has ruined the testimony of Christ in who knows how many communities around the world. It has led to unqualified men pretending to be ministers of God, pastoring a church, winning souls, and hoping that, when they get to heaven, God will forgive them for dishonoring His Word because they wanted to do this good work.
To my readers:
Thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.
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