GODLY PERSONAL HABITS (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9) – 6
READ 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9
We are talking about what God looks for in a leader. First, a godly leader must want to be a godly leader. Second, a godly leader must have godly inner qualities. Third, a godly leader has godly interpersonal relationships. Fourth, he must have a godly reputation. Fifth, he must have a godly spiritual life. Sixth, a godly leader has a godly family life. In this blog we will look at the final character trait.
- A GODLY LEADER HAS GODLY PERSONAL HABITS
The last group of qualifications we will look at has to do with the personal habits of a godly leader. These deal with personal thoughts and actions, which others may not see or know. We can keep these hidden from others and pretend to be something we aren’t. That is hypocrisy and is a sin God hates! Real character is what we are like when no one is watching us. These traits are things that others may not see or know, but they make us who we really are.
The first two characteristics have to do with our attitude to money and material possessions. We are not to love money (1 Timothy 3:3). Money and possessions are not to be our main goal in life. We are not to take pride in them or trust them to provide for our needs. This has nothing to do with how much money or possessions we have, it has to do with our attitude to them. We can be guilty of these even though we have very little material things. It is very easy for money or things to become an idol, something we put before God. That is sin (1 John 5:21).
Paul also says we are not to pursue dishonest gain (Titus 1:7). This means we are not to do anything dishonest to gain more money or possessions. We must be totally fair and honest in all our dealings with others.
Instead of loving money and possessions, Paul says we must love what is good (Titus 1:8). We must support good people, good causes and good ideas. We must truly love what is good in life and turn from all other things.
A final trait Paul includes is that a godly leader must not be given to drunkenness (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7). A godly leader must have self-control so he doesn’t get drunk on alcohol. That means we must have self-control over anything that can be taken to excess, like eating too much or resting and sleeping too much. It also refers to self-control over other things like greed and lust.
Search your own heart and ask God to show you (Psalm 139:23-24) if there is greed in your heart. Do you love money and possessions more than you should? Is there anything in your life that God would say is an idol? If so, confess it and remove it. How is your self-control? Do you do things that Jesus wouldn’t do? If so, confess them and remove them immediately.
This list of characteristics and traits is not something we can attain quickly or easily. It takes a lifetime to even come close. Even then, none of us will attain all of these. They are a goal to reach because they are all traits we need to become more like Jesus. While they are specifically commanded for leaders, they are a good pattern for all Christians to follow. I hope looking at these has motivated you to become more like Jesus in how you think and act. (August 22, 2022 Doylestown, PA)
Qualities for leadership in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. A godly leader must:
- Want to be a godly leader
- Have godly inner qualities
- Have godly interpersonal relationships
- Have a good reputation
- Have a godly spiritual life
- Have a godly family
- Have godly personal habits
Do you have these? Which are evident in your life now? Which are you lacking? What do you need to do to start to improve? Pray about these things and ask God help you have each of them in your life.
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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