What If...?"

Our sermon series has been traversing by exposition the book of 1 Timothy.  Our message this past Sunday was in chapter 4 verses 12-16.  A powerful list of leadership qualities was presented that I am unable to hold in, and compelled to share as a challenge to all.  Firstly, leadership is communicated by Paul to Timothy as a matter of character and conduct.  This is striking because when we speak of leaders these are rarely if ever presented at the front of our natural proclivities toward the subject.  In the main we are interested in strength, great natural talent, good communication skills, adeptness in motivational techniques, a natural persuasive personality, a skill set and knowledge base second to none in the field of specialization and the like.  If we look at Paul's list of qualifications we see a stark contrast to what our first instincts would tell us.

"Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in the word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity."


I realize these items are from Paul to Timothy for the example he is to be for the church, but how about applying that for a list of traits to those looked at in job interviews?  What if the first area of investigation was into the speech of the prospective leader?  What if, for prospective leaders in all walks of life the expectation was for one who was an example to others in love?  What if, leaders were expected to be examples in spirit?  What if there was an expectation of faith in those who would lead?  What if the standard across the board for those who would lead others was purity?  Before even looking to diplomas, years of experience, ability, etc., these character issues were held under scrutiny?  What kind of difference would that make?  Next up, following the character traits, Paul addresses the conduct:

"Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.  Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine.  Continue in them..."


Note two things especially here, first that one who possesses the character traits remains a work in progress and progress should be evident, and second that there is a continuing process of self-evaluation and personal work being done.  There is no room for lethargy or complacency.  There is an expectation of living out exactly what is being taught and a continued process of change and growth toward a more perfect outworking of those character traits previously listed.

Two final notes:
1) There is no doubt that absent the power of the Holy Spirit such character qualities would not really exist.  If we believe the Word then we understand that no man lives according to the purpose of their existence and even if some of the qualities listed were present in observance they could not be held with truly good motivation.  We cannot begin down a path of Truth until we have been made a new creation.  Theologically speaking, regeneration must precede true progress relative to lifestyle.  Heart change is required, and that is a work of the Holy Spirit.

2) Pride and boasting is completely discounted.  Embedded in this list and exhortation is the prior understanding that continued mistakes, asking for forgiveness, prayer and change of behavior will be expected.  How could one stand up and say they have arrived and all should follow them because of their perfect example when there is an expectation of a noticeable evidence of progress?  Leaders who possess the character traits can and should be followed, as they will no doubt have a grave sense of humility, understand better than anyone else how far they have yet to go to fulfill the expected requirement in these areas (perfection) and be completely reliant on the power of the Holy Spirit and not on any ability within.

What if these principles were expected and exhibited, with a continued desire to strive after them with abandon for all in leadership?  Thank God for common grace, and for the realization that we can all strive for such quality of character regardless of any temporal distinctive.