Church helpers must also have a good character and be sincere; they must not drink too much wine or be greedy for money. —1 Timothy 3:8 GNT
This chapter in 1 Timothy discusses the characteristics and behaviours that church leaders and deacons (helpers) must possess. However, I believe this is advice we all, as Christ followers, need to take to heart.
When the world looks at the Church today, it sees unchristlike behaviours such as infighting, deceit, abuse, discrimination, manipulation, greediness, lovers of money and worldly possessions. This, in turn, has distorted the message of Jesus Christ to the world. Since the Church doesn’t seem that different from the world, the lost are confused. They don’t know where to turn because the Church has failed to be the light that they have been called to be.
We all know the saying: “Actions speak louder than words,” and in our case, it is so true. The world knows how Christians ought to behave, sometimes, more than Christians themselves. And the devil—the accuser of believers—uses our mistakes and misbehaviours as an opportunity to discredit the Church and chase unbelievers further away from Christ.
Even Jesus said, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” Matthew 5:16 (ESV). That light shone well in Antioch, and the believers there were called Christians because they behaved like Christ.
Paul also said, “Those helpers who do their work well win for themselves a good standing and are able to speak boldly about their faith in Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 3:13 (GNT)
Therefore, our behaviour as Christians and as the collective Church says much about who we look to and believe in. Today’s Christians, unfortunately, have taken their focus largely away from the One who matters, Jesus Christ. They have instead shifted their focus onto their leaders, positions and church activities. When our focus is away from Christ, our light can become dim or hazy because of the very nature of humans: sinful, corrupt, and self-centred.
We are never going to be perfect in this world and in this earthly body of clay. But we still need to strive daily for the power of the Holy Spirit to develop His fruit in us. To receive the power to live above reproach, inasmuch as we are called Christians, so that our light will continue to shine brightly in a crooked and dark world.
Stay blessed,
LaraLex
Hills and Valleys 