Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. these men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. By common confession, great is the mystery of godliness: He who was revealed in the flesh, was vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, and taken up in glory.
Paul in his letters to the pastors of the churches that he planted, gave them sound advise for selecting church leaders. Paul recognized that these leaders would experience spiritual warfare and Satan would make it his business to discredit the leaders of the church. For this reason, the leaders need to be grounded in their faith and showing a record of depending of God's Spirit to overcome the battles that will come so that they provide the right image of righteousness before the laity in the church and it would have healthy growth.
Daily Prayer: Father, make me into his kind of model also. Let me drop dependence on the flesh, and surrender my life to you so that I will love kindness, be just, and walk humbly before my God. Amen.
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