SATURDAY July 26, 2025

A Steward of God

For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money....
Titus 1:7

Once again, Paul alluded to the fact that an elder in the church must be blameless, which means “unreprovable,” or “unaccused.” No one should be able to point a finger at them to accuse them of any wrongdoing. Another aspect of their leadership qualities as an overseer was to view themselves as a steward of God. In the Greek language, this refers to them as “one who oversees a house.” What is inferred here is that their gifting, entrusted to them by God, must be exercised for the good of others in the church.

In ministry, leaders are to be humble and submissive. They are not to be self-willed. The word self-willed means “self-pleasing” or “arrogant.” If a person is self-willed, they will use the position as an elder for their own self-interest. They will have no interest in the affairs of others. They will be inconsiderate in their interactions with people. In arrogance, they will try to assert their will over people.

Sadly, some people will change when given a title or position in the church. All of a sudden, “it goes to their head.” Understand that if you are called to leadership it is a call to serve the people, not lord over them.

Being self-willed is opposite of gentleness––a fruit of the Spirit––which should be evident in those called to a position in leadership.

Those in a position of leadership are held to a higher standard. They cannot be doing things that worldly people do. Leaders are to be self-controlled, calm and not quick-tempered or violent. They are to be sober minded, not given to wine––drinking alcohol. They are not to be greedy for money: For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows (1 Timothy 6:10).

If you desire the office of a bishop, it is a good thing, but pay attention to all the qualifications. Prepare yourself; eliminate anything in your life that would disqualify you.

The spiritual leader will choose the hidden path of sacrificial service and approval of the Lord over the flamboyant self-advertising of the world.
~J. Oswald Sanders~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!