“This is a trustworthy saying: ‘If someone aspires to be an elder,’ he desires an honorable position.” (1 Timothy 3:1 NLT)
Aspiration can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, if I lack aspiration, I can waste the gifts and talents the Lord has given me and miss opportunities to be used of Him in His service. On the other hand, if my aspirations seek to exalt me and gain recognition, praise, and honor for myself, including or apart from the glory due the Lord, I’m on a very treacherous path.
The word Paul uses that is translated “aspires” in the above verse, is an interesting word. According to Strong’s, it literally means “to stretch one’s self out in order to touch or to grasp something, to reach after or desire something,” which can be fine. I believe that’s what all of us should desire as we pursue the Lord.
But it can also mean: “to give one’s self up to the love of money.” Paul explores what aspiring to be an elder should look like in verse 2 when he writes: “So an elder must be a man whose life is above reproach.” Then he sites several practical applications as to what that would look like. The context suggests that Paul is likely defining the role of what we commonly refer to as a Pastor today.
“Above reproach” literally means to be “blameless or unrebukable,” words that we don’t often use today, but point to the kind of person who is solid in their faith, well liked, trustworthy, pure in motives and actions, a good husband and father, and one who isn’t a pursuer of what the KJV refers to as “filthy lucre,” which is basically being greedy for money or personal gain.
Okay, all of that is well and good, but what does it mean for us today? We have our favorite preachers and teachers, and there’s nothing wrong with that, but the great men of God, past and present, who honor and bless God are those who aspire, not to make much of themselves, but to make much of Jesus. To aspire to be great to gain prestige, recognition, or fame, for oneself, is to dishonor the Lord and trample His holy name.
As in every generation, there are those today whose methods and message aim to draw people to themselves in an effort to build their “kingdom.” Their desire is to promote themselves, to grow in popularity, and to generate the big bucks; to live a life of wealth and prosperity and to twist the Word of God to justify their extravagant lifestyle. But please don’t hear what I’m not saying, there are many very godly and gifted men and women who, through legitimate and honorable means have made a lot of money. That doesn’t in any way need to disqualify them from being effective and respected leaders.
Money, in and of itself, is neutral. The Kingdom of God is forwarded by the generosity of God’s people. Someone who generates a high income doing what God has called and gifted them to do is not the problem. I applaud men and women who have earned millions of dollars who funnel much of their wealth into the expansion of God’s purposes worldwide.
Those who dishonor God and defame His holy name are those who aspire to positions of authority to manipulate others and seek recognition for themselves. And this may or may not have anything to do with money, and the persons may or may not aspire to be a Pastor. I’ve seen Elders, Deacons, Board members, teachers, and others who serve in various positions in churches large and small whose motives have crippled the effectiveness of ministries. There are still wolves in sheep’s clothing in the Church today.
In God’s service there are no “Gospel Superstars,” only devoted followers who aspire to celebrate and give praise and glory to the Savior with every ounce of their being. To aspire to gain anything for ourselves through our service to Christ and His Church is to dishonor the holy name we profess to bear.
Food for thought.
Blessings, Ed 😊
Walking With Jesus 