This is our Zim leader, Lynnet.

 

This is our Zim leader, Lynnet. We have been working together for a long time in Vuku. We couldn't have come this far without Jesus' love.

Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 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. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)

1 Timothy 3:1‭-‬5 NIV

Written by Jung 

Here are the qualifications for elders/overseers that the Bible mentions. I will skip the references, but they are from Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus. I don’t intend for you to use this list to measure anyone against it or even yourselves.

(Self-controlled. Hospitable. Able to teach. Not violent but gentle. Not quarrelsome. Not a lover of money. Not a recent convert. Has a good reputation with outsiders. Not overbearing. Not quick-tempered. Love what is good. Upright, holy, disciplined. Above reproach (blameless). Faithful to his wife. Temperate. Respectable. Not given to drunkenness. Manages his own family well. Ensures that his children obey him. Does not pursue dishonest gain. Holds to the truth. Sincere. Tested.)

I don’t think Paul, who argued against circumcision, saying it forces us to obey the whole law, is giving us more laws to keep in order for us to be in charge of anything in the Church. They are a description of those who are mature enough to be a leader in Christ. Just behaving in such a manner with discipline doesn't qualify us to be one. So, what do we take away from the list?

You have also heard from Paul that love covers over a multitude of sins. Does that mean we need to see our leaders or ourselves with grace and turn a blind eye to our shortcomings? Even if I keep getting angry at people, should they love me and forgive me? Not at all.

I believe the reason that prevents us from being good can be solved with love. Here is an example.

When everything is going well, I am hospitable and gentle. Life is all good, and I am worthy to be a leader. However, as soon as someone attacks me or undermines me, I fight back with fury. However, if I loved those who attack or undermine me, I would be able to find a way to help them heal from whatever caused them to attack me. This is how love covers over a multitude of sins. Not that they should accept me as I am, because I didn’t do anything worng 

The desire to love them and care for their hearts makes us mature. If you don't think Jesus' love in you can help them, it is another story. Even if you don't desire to be a leader or even a pastor, you are called to have that love in you.

Look at yourselves and find what or who is preventing you from being the one whom Jesus wants you to be. Don't blame them for being a hindrance to you, but show Jesus' love to them.

You are precious to Jesus.