“This is a faithful
saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work.” (1 Timothy 3:1 NKJV)
Shepherding God’s flock is good work. It is:
literally, “honorable work.” Not
the honor associated with it, but the work,
is the thought (Ac 15:38 ; Php 2:30 ; compare 2Ti 4:5 ). He who aims at the office must remember the
high qualifications needed for the due discharge of its functions.[1]
The pastor isn’t demanding to be placed on a pedestal and
given honor, but is to conduct himself honorably commensurate with the
honorable work. His manner and his
motives are to be to honor his Master and help the members. It is a labor of love.
Make no mistake about it—this is LABOR!
There is no room for laziness in the work of the Lord. Being a pastor isn’t about perks and
privileges. Paul isn’t saying that we
choose this vocation from among other options because it is a cushy job. You better be ready to roll up your sleeves,
as inspiration translates into perspiration.
“But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do
the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” (2 Tim.4:5 NKJV)
Old Matthew Henry states: “It is a good work, a work of the
greatest importance, and designed for the greatest good: the ministry is
conversant about no lower concerns than the life and happiness of immortal
souls…”[2]
A PRAYER
Lover of Our Souls,
What a privilege it is to be called to such an honorable
work. Although we are creatures of
flesh—so frail—you have poured Your treasure into these earthen vessels! It is a marvel of Your grace that You would
not send an angel from heaven, but a human—redeemed sinners reaching sinners
with a message of redemption. Strengthen
us for work that is too much for us to accomplish, but which we can fulfill in
Your mighty power! Deliver us from sloth!
In the name of Jesus,
Amen.
[1] Jamieson,
R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary
Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1 Ti 3:1 ). Oak Harbor , WA
[2] Henry, M.
(1994). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the
whole Bible: complete and unabridged in one volume (1 Ti 3:1–7 ). Peabody : Hendrickson.
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