Standards

Yesterday's Sunday school lesson came from 1 Timothy 3, where the qualifications for church leaders are expressed. It is not a complete or exhaustive list of requirements but certainly a good place to start. The gist of the lesson was that every church member should strive to meet those same standards set forth for pastors and deacons; there is absolutely nothing wrong with doing right.

We seem to often try and put pastors and deacons on a different playing field than, and hold them to different standards than we hold ourselves. And, allow me to say, they should be held to a high standard. However, as a child of GOD, we should all hold ourselves to the highest of standards.

Why should we expect more of our church leaders than we expect of ourselves? Do we think that GOD differentiates between sins? NO, GOD sees sin as sin, whether it is a pastor, a deacon, a teacher, or any other Christian. We should, as Christians, hold ourselves to high standards.

Today's word comes from Titus 2:7 - 8a, NIV, which reads, "In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned..."

So many people are looking for Christians to mess up. Trust me, they have to look no further than right here at me, and they probably don't have to look very long. However, we should concentrate on doing what GOD wants us to do, in the way He wants us to do it.

I really like the first part of today's word, "In EVERYTHING set them an example by DOING what is GOOD." It is so easy to not do anything. It is so easy to do what is easy. It is not always easy to do what is right. Let's strive to set an example by doing what is good!

Be Blessed,
Mickey T