Titus 1:4-9
Have you ever thought about jobs that others do well and
even enjoy, and under your breath you say this prayer; Thank you dear God that
was not in your plans for me. If I
began to make a list it would be offensive to someone, but I will share the one
I was called to and that was sales.
Over my career, I cannot tell you the number of times someone would say,
“I just do not understand how anyone could be in sales,” and yet it was what I
enjoyed, it was my calling. But we
all have jobs that come to mind that no matter the pay, it would not be one that
we would look forward to.
I will share with you one that I would have no interest in
and the pay has improved over the years, it’s the job of Pastor, Elder, Bishop,
or Priest. As I stated, the pay
has improved and many have looked to the job as isolation from the competition
found in the work place. Many have
looked at it as a profession and not a calling from God. And many of these crash and burn, and
most of the time they take many captive with them. But many do not crash and burn, they just show-up and do
what is necessary, they would much rather be playing golf or fishing than to
put up with the many problems that comes with the job. They are no different than the many, so
called, sales people I’ve met who thought it was an easy way to make a living
and that it gave you a lot of freedom.
They never, and I do mean never excelled, and they were always griping
about the job.
Most of us before we consider an occupation should do a
diligent study of the requirements and the opportunities. Paul is instructing Titus on what is
required for a person who is to be a Pastor, Elder, or Bishop, and this is just
the short list. Let us begin with
verse 6, “If anyone is above reproach, (no
criticism can be voiced against them) the husband
of one wife, (I’ve always thought this was a show stopper for a
woman wanting the office) and his children are
believers and not open to the charge of debauchery (debauchery: a
life of self-absorption) or insubordination. (Insubordination:
disobedience) For an overseer, as God’s steward,
must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy
for gain, but hospitable, a
lover of good, self-controlled,
upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy
word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine
and also to rebuke those who contradict it.” (Titus 1:6-9 with
emphases added)
If you are engaging thoughts of becoming a pastor, study and
pray diligently about these requirements, the job is not for a perfect man, if
it was, you would not be qualified, it is for a man who has the calling of God
on his life for this job. If I
began to tell you what an average person in the Sunday morning pew expected of
you, you would run faster than Jonah did away from Nineveh.
I’ve been blessed to know a few men who understood the
requirement of this calling on their life, they understand that they are not the
big dog, that their calling is not greater than the calling of the Christian
plumber whose ministry is to the work place, but it does come with the
requirement to be a shepherd; to love, guide and care for a group of people who
often have no desire to be guided.
From the Back Porch,
Bob Rice
No comments:
Post a Comment