1 Timothy 3:8-13  Good leadership is being determined to do what is right even at great personal cost

1 Timothy 3:8-13

Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, 9 but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. 11 Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

Background

In today’s devotion, Paul advises candidates be tested against a list of virtues before appointing them to leadership. He advises against haste as only time can reveal the true quality of a man’s character and mettle. Good leadership is being determined to do what is right even at great personal cost.

Observation

Paul directs his focus towards the next line of leadership; the office of deacon. Deacons are servant-leaders who serve in various ministries within the church. In the context of a church, they are considered second line leaders. Even though deacons are not as prominent as the overseer, the criteria for the office of deacon is nonetheless stringent except that they do not have a teaching function (as in the case of the overseer). Paul states the essential qualities that deacons must possess.

• men of dignity – worthy of respect/honor, dignified and not frivolous.
• not double-tongued – “Dilogos” or doublespeak inferring ambiguity. It is a description of a person who cannot (or refuse) to make a firm stand on some matters. For such do not want to be held accountable for their convictions for fear of being inconvenienced.
• holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience – “Mystery” stands for things not easily understood and are still open to challenge or debate. He must be ready stand up for the faith and face possible persecutions. “Clear conscience” refers to an uncompromising attitude towards the truth. His manner of life must bring forth the integrity of the gospel message and the values that Christ stand for.
• These men must also first be tested – They must be tested and proven to be men worthy of the office before being appointed to the office of deacons. They must not be appointed because of political or familial affiliations but based purely on their calling and maturity.
• Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips… – This explicitly states that women are admissible to the office of deacons. Prudence with the tongue, to speak the truth with a pure intention to build up and not to destroy. Being level headed and composed, not given to outburst of anger. At the same time, reliable and faithful to the responsibilities entrusted.
• For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. – Deacons who serve “well” as in possessing the above qualities will obtain two things: a “high standing” and a confidence of being received and honored by Christ Himself. “High standing” infers a high ranking position in the structure of authority in God’s kingdom.

Truth

The true test of leadership is being determined to strive for what is right even at great personal sacrifices.

The first test of leadership is the resolve to do the right thing even when the odds are stacked against him (faith with a clear conscience). As opposed to popular philosophy, leadership is not all skill, but the strength of faith with a clear conscience. It is the resolve to navigate the organisation in the right direction through great personal sacrifices. In addition, a good leader must possess wisdom to decipher a course of action and justify his actions based on unchanging principles. He must also be able to rally his organisation after him and preserve unity in the midst of dissenting opinions.

I have seen churches and organisations laid waste by talented leaders who betray their conscience just to get ahead. People naturally gravitate towards strong leaders who appear polished and principled. However, only time will reveal the true state of their character and mettle. Paul advises against appointing people to leadership without first testing them: These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. It is one thing to profess to unyielding integrity and courage, but to stay the course under duress is quite another. History reveals that leaders always pay a great price when they choose to do what is right. The pursuit of justice and equity benefits the society at large, but it does not usually benefit the leader. Therefore, true leadership hinges on the resolve to strive for the benefit of the whole even at a great personal cost. A chinese proverb says, “Distance test the strength of a horse, but time will decipher the heart of a man.” (路遥知马力，日久见人心). Hence, it is wise to err on the side of cynicism when according trust and respect to others. One must not be taken in by a glib tongue or by the appearance of zeal or sincerity, but by observing them over a period of time.

Nevertheless, many are appointed to leadership positions by virtue of the fact that they can get things done efficiently and effectively. They are evaluated based on their operational capabilities and appearance of loyalty as opposed to their strength of character. Such leaders, if left unchecked, may rise up at an the opportune time in malice to the detriment of the organisation. However, there are tell-tale signs that accurately reveal the character of a person. The following are signs of faith with a clear conscience:

• The ability to come clean concerning one’s past mistakes and be accountable to another.
• The ability to make a stand even at the risk of alienating one’s allies.
• The ability to cede authority to another person who is more suitable for the task.
• The ability to do what truly matters even when no one approves of it.
• The ability to stay faithful even when no one appreciates the good that one has done.

Application

Is your organisation given to appointing people to leadership hastily? Perhaps, it is the fear of losing the candidate should he not be given the position quickly? In the context of a church or any organisation, it is important to bear with temporal inconveniences than to fill a position quickly only to regret it later. A person of character will not be driven by the prospects of leadership opportunities. He will endeavour to build trust and fellowship within the organisation before embarking on a role to lead it.

Dear Lord, build in me the desire to serve others as a servant not given to selfish ambitions. Imbue within me faith with a clear conscience, not double-tongued, or greed for material possessions. Cause me to be gracious and temperate, being wise in all that I say. In doing so, I may have confidence in the day of judgment and obtain a high standing in your kingdom. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.