Are you qualified? #yearintheword

For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.—Titus 1:7-9

A bishop defined in the Greek language is an overseer or a superintendent in relation to the local church. It is a leadership position that can be applied not just to church but to our home and work. If you are going to have people following you then you will have to earn their trust and respect. Your life must be transparent and exemplify moral and spiritual excellence. The position you hold as a volunteer, employer or employee is a position of stewardship. The qualities listed above will provide for you success, promotion, and longevity.

Let’s look at those qualities again,

“…not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled.”

They all deal with the way you handle yourself and others. Self awareness is a good thing. Are you keeping a good eye on yourself? Are you accountable to someone else? Do you have qualities like these that make you a trustworthy person? All good questions to ask yourself.

Notice also, if we are to exhort and admonish others in the plan of God for their lives then we must “hold fast to the faithful Word.” In other words put into practice the things the New Testament teaches us and our pastors admonish us to do. Being a doer of the Word is what empowers us to lead others, encourage others, and if need be convict others to live out God’s plan for their lives. Are you qualified?