All Christ

DEVOTION
1 TIMOTHY
ALL CHRIST
1 Tim 3:2-3
2 Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
NIV
Although I dealt with the whole of meeting a these set of standards I think it worthy of exampling these standards in a bit of detail. To be above reproach seems to be an outward action of an inward behavior of actually being blameless, that is not guilty of any offense against others. I do not know how I could never offend another, except of course I am considered by God to be innocent, blameless because of Christ. But I think this actually refers to my actions toward others. As far as I know I am only married to one wife and it should pose no problem for me to comply with this standard. I know polygamy was practiced in those days among the gentiles and perhaps this was what this standard was being spoken to. I know some denominations see this as now allowing for a divorced and remarried man to qualify for this calling, but they are just dead wrong in their position. Now as far as being temperate or vigilant, that is being circumspect, I think it would be difficult to judge. I think I am, but then it is I who is thinking it, and that alone poses some problems for me. I also think when I research into the Greek it gives a greater insight to how I am to behave when it says I should be self controlled. Seeing that I need to be of a sound mind, which includes being moderate as to opinion or passion, I think I have failed at that. I certainly cannot say I do not have passion about my opinions. I am not a middle of the roader in my thoughts about God’s Holy Word. Now having said that I think I should not become violate in my conversations especially with unbelievers about his word. Here is where I need that self control, that sound mind, that voice quiet voice of reason void of passion. This would certainly aid in having respect among people or maybe not. I know I cannot be void of my passion when I preach his word. The Holy Spirit so moves me beyond my own self, I think I am not me. I would I am respectable or orderly among my fellow believers, as well as among those unbelievers I mingle with. Again I really cannot judge that as it is I who is doing the judging of me. Am I found of guests? Sometimes, but I do find it difficult to caring on a conversation of small talk. I do like to get together with some of my fellow believers, and even with some people who do not believe, but to say I am given to be a great host, I cannot. I do not think I am, yet I am thinking if I am to meet these standards, I need to either work on that more, or allow the Holy Spirit to work in my more. When I think about the issue about my being able teach, I have no doubts for I know of whom I teach and also know I have the Holy Spirit to empower that which I speak of. Is that prideful? I think not for I am able to do nothing unless I am connected to the vine. And is I am connected I will bear much fruit, and I will be able to teach. But it all Christ.