“A church leader must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall. Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil’s trap.”
“Why?” There is no question more infamous in parenting. “Why do I have to study my spelling words? Why do I have to clean my room? Why do I need to turn the music down? Why do I have to stop watching TV?” As a parent, I try to answer the “why” questions as honestly as possible. Unfortunately, however, some of the directions I give my kids are hard to explain. Sometimes I have to simply say “I don’t know how to help you understand this one, so I need you to trust me, ok?”
Many of God’s rules and standards seem to be like that. We have to trust Him because His reasoning may be beyond us. It may address blindspots we don’t even know that we have. Therefore, it can be refreshing when a rule or standard is explained. Such is the case as Paul’s first list of standards for church leaders comes to a close. He finishes it with two important character traits. First, leaders must have been following Jesus for a while. Why? Because otherwise Satan might use their position of influence to tempt them to pride. Second, they must have a positive reputation outside the church. Why? Because people who “fall into disgrace” with outsiders are easily tempted to fall into Satan’s traps. What do all these leadership standards have in common? They are all attainable by anyone who is willing to let Jesus lead their life.
Here’s your freedom for today: God’s leadership standards are attainable. God’s leadership standards is that can be met by anyone who is willing to grow and mature under Jesus’ training and leadership. God doesn’t limit leadership to people with brown hair or people who are six feet tall. He limits leadership to those who are wholeheartedly and passionately growing through their relationship with him. Hopefully, that means you.