“A
bishop then must be…of good behavior…” (1 Timothy 3:2 NKJV)
Greek scholar, Kenneth Wuest, relates concerning this word:
“Of good behaviour” is kosmion (κοσμιον), which speaks of order as against disorder. The word could
be rendered here, “orderly.” Expositors suggests, “perhaps dignified in the best sense of the term.” [1]
There is a dignity
about the office of the pastor, and we must conduct ourselves accordingly. It doesn’t mean we strut around with our nose
in the air as though we are special, but that we humbly behave as those chosen
by grace to a high and holy task.
Wuest’s suggestion
that the term could be translated, “orderly”
is precisely what the Good News Bible does.
Considering this reminds us of Paul’s injunction to the Corinthian
church, “Let
all things be done decently and in order.” (1
Cor.14:40 ).
It is not only “what” we do, but the “way” we do things in
the church that matters. There is a
template of propriety that should be superimposed over all church
functions. The shepherd sets the
standard in this.
The way a pastor conducts himself conveys a message, and
not just what he speaks from the pulpit.
We cannot tolerate hypocrisy in our lifestyle that would lead someone to
exclaim, “You mean he’s a preacher?!”
All that we do and say is to enhance the office we hold.
A
PRAYER
Blessed
Lord,
I praise
you for the grace you have bestowed in choosing frail men to be shepherds of
Your flock. It is an honor to serve You
and I pray that You would give us the wisdom and strength to fulfill our
responsibilities honorably. Help us do
the right thing, the right way, the right time and with the right motive.
In the
name of Your Son, Jesus,
Amen.
[1] Wuest, K.
S. (1997). Wuest’s word studies from the
Greek New Testament: for the English reader (1 Ti 3:2 ). Grand Rapids : Eerdmans.
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