How about that Jeremiah? He prophecies destruction and being carried away into captivity and then buys a piece of property in his home land he will be taken out of! Talk about faith that God will indeed bring him back in seventy years! Is there a lesson here? Most of us are lucky to live seventy years, let alone plan ahead that far. I am impressed.
Paul defines the necessary character traits for leadership (elders or pastors) in the church today in 1 Timothy 3.1-16. It is a pretty tall order indeed. Likewise, Paul goes on to define the role of deacon (or servant) in the church. These character traits are not unattainable. True, they do eliminate many, but frankly, the church should pay attention to these requirements for its own good. How much grief could the church avoid if it truly honored these guidelines?
These guidelines also give the contemporary person seeking a church home a good reference to know what pastor they should indeed follow. In this time in which we live, unfortunately, it is very important that a church leader truly be known for integrity.
Help us Lord, to absorb all that today's OYB reading affords. Help us exercise faith as Jeremiah did. Help us promote and embrace integrity in the church and its leadership today.
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