Integrity is essential!

1 Timothy 3:1-7

¹ Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. ² Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, ³ not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. ⁴ He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. ⁵ (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) ⁶ He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. ⁷ He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.

Paul is writing to Timothy, his “dear son in the faith” whom he has left at Ephesus to bring correction and growth to the Ephesian church. He has already addressed some issues with Timothy and suggests that Timothy appoint leaders to oversee the church. This passage describes the outstanding character and integrity required by such a leadership position.

The first quality required is to be above reproach. The Greek word used here, anepilēmptos, means being above criticism.  This reminds me of Billy Graham, who wrote rules for himself so that he was not in positions of temptation, and no one could possibly question his integrity. For example, he would not ride in a lift with just one woman. If there were no other passengers, he would exit the lift so that no one could suggest that anything untoward went on. Our leaders’ code of conduct at church is similar. We should not put ourselves in any position where our integrity could be in doubt. Otherwise, we could tarnish not only our own reputation but also that of the church and, ultimately, the gospel. Unfortunately, we have seen this in action in the global church over the last 10 or so years, where sexual misconduct, love of money and domestic violence by church leaders have turned people away from hearing the gospel.  

Paul also warns against pride. He instructs that new believers shouldn’t be given leadership positions because they may be more susceptible to becoming proud of their position. But it’s not just new believers who may be tempted by pride. We all need to guard against it! I heard the testimony of a worship leader who is famous in the UK. She said she took each compliment she received as a metaphorical flower, then eventually presented a bunch of flowers to the Lord. She was not rejecting people’s encouragement but was giving glory to Jesus, something we can copy!

Dear Lord, it’s sobering to think that my behaviour could influence whether people want to hear about you or not! Please help me to have great integrity and to guard against pride. All glory to you!

Written by Megan Cornell