READING:
One-year plan: Jeremiah 8-10, 1 Timothy 3:1-4:10
Two-year plan: 2 Kings 4, John 9:1-12
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Some years ago, I read a story of a pastor who delighted in his calling not only to lead a congregation, but also to “pastor his community.” He understood that it was his responsibility to be a representative and witness of God’s grace to both the believers in his church and the non-believers who lived in his community. For this brother, to be known as “Pastor XXXXXX” throughout the community—including among believers who were members of other churches—meant much to him.
I thought about him as I read today’s New Testament reading. Paul listed the necessary characteristics of elders, and he included among them that an elder “must have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the Devil’s trap” (1 Tim 3:7). This expectation assumes that (1) the community was watching believers and (2) the elder was intentionally among outsiders. They knew him well enough that they could judge his character, and they affirmed his good reputation. That elder apparently was not caught in the Christian bubble that has so easily captured many of us.
All of us would do well to walk closely with God, develop relationships even with outsiders, live faithfully around them, and encourage them to follow Christ. Living this way keeps us focused on evangelism and helps us avoid the trap of the devil.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: What do you think your reputation is among your community? Do you know many “outsiders”?
DAILY PRAYER: “God, may others see Christ in me.”
TOMORROW’S READINGS:
One-year plan: Jeremiah 11-14, 1 Timothy 4:11-6:21
Two-year plan: 2 Kings 5:1-6:23, John 9:13-34