June 22

1 Timothy 3:1 (NIV84)
Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task.

There is something about this saying – that’s what Paul is saying. This is “super” true. That says to me that someone may have doubted the following statement. Some people have set their hearts or have a desire to be an overseer. There is something within them that wants to “oversee”. That’s not a crazy thing – it is an awesome thing!

An overseer is an “office” of leadership and service. When Judas was died, Peter said that someone should take his “place”. (Same word.) I think our English word doesn’t do the Greek justice because we think of someone who is a manager rather than a leader/servant. An overseer definitely has a position of authority, but as Jesus did, an overseer uses his authority to be a blessing and servant of all.

The church needs people to step up into this role, we need “episcopes”! We need people, with the right heart of service, to lead others in the ways of God. This is not an event coordinator, this is a disciple and teacher. These are people who, according to the requirements, have learned how to live in the Spirit and are serious about advancing the Kingdom. Will you desire to be an overseer? Count the cost of this chapter and see that your life is demanded of you. There is no room for self anything but self sacrifice. The body of Christ needs people to step up, to desire, to live a life of servant hood – will you?