Daily Reading: 1 Timothy 3-4
Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil. (1 Timothy 3:7)
Devotional Thought: In 1 Timothy 3, Paul gives instructions to Timothy about the “overseers” of the church. These are good things for all of us to know and apply in our lives in order that we can strengthen the church by our presence within it. I particularly was drawn to Paul’s admonition in verse 7, that a church leader “must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.” What can we learn from this?
First, we are reminded that reputations with outsiders are important. We must be in and part of the community in order for reputation to be established. As Christians we cannot isolate ourselves from the joys and sorrows, from the work and play of this world. We are to be in the world but not of the world. If we are to reach a lost world, we have to follow the example of our Lord who is “Immanuel – God with us.” We have to get the church outside the four walls of the building where we meet! We do that every day in our lives – not just as a special emphasis! Jesus said, “As you are going, make disciples…”
Our motives with people outside the church must be sincere and our history with them must be long. Unlike bad reputations, good reputations take a long time to develop. In order to reach people we must have a relationship with them. We must truly become part of their lives. Then, the doors for effective witness will open. Always remember this: there is a vast difference between developing friendships in order to win people to Christ and winning our friends to Christ. People will certainly be able to tell the difference between these two approaches.
Prayer: Lord, help me, like you, to be a friend of sinners. Before I can win them, I must know them. Before I can know them, I must spend time with them. I get so busy with my own life and the life of the church that I neglect those who are outside my family and the church. Forgive me, and give me a heart like yours. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 119:1-8
1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD!
2 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart,
3 who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways!
4 You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently.
5 Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes!
6 Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
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