For Him

DEVOTION
1 TIMOTHY
FOR HIM
1 Tim 3:12-13

12 A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
NIV
Here again I must insist this has always referred to the practice of polygamy and not divorce and remarriage as some denominations teach today. I cannot understand why they argue against the simple truth other than they have to set up certain rules for their inclusive club. But back to why I think this is so important about polygamy. It was practiced by the pagans and Timothy was establishing churches among pagan societies, so Paul wanted to make sure those men elected to such offices of leadership had only one wife instead of multiple wives. Even in the Old Testament times men of God such as David and Solomon were polygamists. Now I do not think it is a good thing for any man of God in this day and age to go around marrying and divorcing and remarrying and divorcing ever time he desires to take another wife instead of the one he has. I understand this could lead to all sorts of problems within the body of Christ. This would not be a good thing for any man in the body of Christ much less one who is in a position of leadership. What kind of example would that be? Plus if children were involved with each of those multiple wives it would be very confusing for him to manage his children and household well. No, I am absolutely in full agreement with having but only one wife and children. Now again, am I being off base here when I think those who serve as deacons must be married with children? A single man or a married man without children does not meet these standards. He must be a husband and he must manage his children and household well. It is not any clearer. I have never served as a deacon. Of course the denomination I am now associated with does not have deacons. I wonder why that is? It is scriptural to have deacons, is it not? Does a church board serve as fulfilling that role? I think not as women serve on the board, which I am not against, but I think it would be very difficult for a woman to be the husband of but one wife. A lot of thoughts here, which I have formed over the years and I think I will not be moved from them either. But the one thing I am very sure about is I serve my Lord in whatever way he desires me to serve. I do not need any title or official position other than “man of God”. If there is one thing I desire is to be a man after Gods own heart. I fail all too often but it is a worthy goal to desire. I am not sure about this result issue of gaining excellent standing. I wonder if that with men or with God? Not that is it not a good thing to have good standing among the body of Christ but I think I would surely what to be in excellent standing with God, which I already and because of Christ. I also know I am very assured, very bold, very outspoken of my faith in Christ. So in the end although I am not titled, I must endeavor to stand before God as one desiring to meet these standards, not for men, but for him.