Good examples of a growing Christian

Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory. (1Timothy 3:16)

Ordination of St. Timothy by St. Paul

I have one remarkable observation to make about 1Timothy 3 — it is remarkable that the qualifications listed for Pastors and Deacons are so unremarkable. The character traits listed by Paul in chapter 3 are character traits that were exemplified and taught by Jesus. They belong aspirationally to all Christians. They certainly belong to Christ, and as Paul teaches us in Galatians 3:27, when we are baptized into Christ, we put on Christ. In Christ, they belong to us as well, if we will determine to walk in repentance and faith. For ordained (that is, formally set apart and recognized) officers of the church, it is appropriate that these character traits are basic qualifications. But here’s the remarkable part: the qualifications for ordained ministry simply amount to a requirement that a person should be making progress along the path of discipleship. Pastors and Deacons should simply be good examples of a growing Christian.
Do you want to be a minister or missionary? Paul says if so, you desire a good work. In addition to making the ministers of your own church aware of this desire, you should devote yourself to discipleship. Ask your pastor or another faithful, trusted believer if they will mentor you, or if they will help you find a mentor. Ask them how they grew as a believer. Ask them about their spiritual disciplines, and habits of prayer — ask them what they do and why. How does their practice help them grow to be more like Jesus. With their help, develop your own daily practice of prayer, and spiritual discipline. Check in regularly with your pastor or mentor. Examine your conscience regularly and talk about it with your mentor. Jesus promises us that prayer and the word will produce fruit in your life. They will accomplish their purpose of making you more like Jesus. And always remember that the Christian life is founded on repentance and faith — not perfection. You will stumble and fail. Your pastor stumbles and fails. The key is not to hide from your failures, but to run to Jesus and repent. You want to be a minister? Devote yourself to being a disciple.

You may not want to be a Pastor or Deacon. Those are specific vocations that God calls people to, and maybe your vocation is different. But do you go to church? Are you looking for a church? Look for a church where you can observe whether the ministers are living as faithful and growing disciples of Jesus. Are they quick to repent? Do they display character traits of Jesus? Are they accessible to church members? Do they teach the gospel clearly? These questions will be important for you as you choose a church to join.

Finally, whether or not you want to be a minister, this list of character traits should remind us of the ways we can all stand to look more like Jesus. But remember that the key to Christian discipleship is not in the faithfulness of our practice. The key to the Christian life is the work Jesus did for us. Paul reminds us of the mystery of godliness: Jesus appeared in the flesh, he was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, and was taken up in glory (1Timothy 3:16).

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Today’s Readings: Psalm 38, 1Timothy 3, Numbers 11, 2Chronicles 21, Lamentations 2