Scripture to Read: 1 Timothy 3:6
God qualifies for us today that no one in leadership, especially someone in a pastoral role, should be a new believer. In the Amplified Bible, God’s Word says, 1 Timothy 3:6, “and he must not be a new convert, so that he will not [behave stupidly and] become conceited [by appointment to this high office] and fall into the [same] condemnation incurred by the devil [for his arrogance and pride].” God knows how ugly our fleshly desires can be, especially when it comes to any position of honor. Our ugly flesh wants to be recognized and rewarded. Our flesh struggles with the “boastful pride of life” (1 John 2:16) and a new believer can quickly fall prey to his pride and arrogance if he is placed in a position of honor too quickly. Positions of honor are a dangerous place to be for a new or immature believer because the position of authority can lead them to take the honor and glory for themselves. God wants anyone in any position of authority to be a mature believer so that when the “boastful pride of life tempts them,” they can crucify that desire and bring glory and honor to God and not to themselves. The devil was cast out of heaven because of his pride, so God does not want us falling into that same temptation. We must daily crucify our fleshly desires (Galatians 5:19-21, 1 Peter 2:1, James 1:21, Colossians 3:5-8) and clothe ourselves with God’s characteristics (Galatians 5:22-23, Ephesians 4:29-32, 2 Peter 1:5-9).
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about having a position of honor?
2. How will you guard your heart (or how have you guarded your heart) from pride when you are (were) given a position of honor or authority?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!