A Noble Task

Hain-Lee Hsueh—East Bay, California, USA

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

1 Timothy chapter 3 describes the criteria and qualifications of being an overseer, or “bishop,” and a deacon. As indicated by the first verse, the description that follows is not for those who are already an overseer or deacon (though I’m sure it serves as an excellent reminder), but for those who desire to become one. It is not a list of requirements by which we judge existing church workers, but a set of spiritual goals and standards we are to diligently pursue if we wish to dedicate ourselves to, and become worthy of, serving the church.

And to pursue diligently is by no means an overstatement. The standards are high, beginning with “above reproach,” or blameless (1 Tim 3:2). To desire to serve the Lord is no casual matter; it’s an ambition.

In our society, it is typical for people to have ambitious career goals. If we want to be accepted into a prestigious university, we have to study hard and take up a lot of extracurricular activities to develop our knowledge and be well rounded. If we want to become a technical expert, we must receive a lot of hands-on and theoretical training and constantly keep up with the latest tools and technologies. If we want to become a doctor, we need to score well on the MCAT and excel in medical school.

Bottom line: when we want to achieve something or become someone noteworthy in society, we take it seriously, and we’re prepared to do whatever it takes to fulfill any prerequisites and pass any test or assessment with flying colors. Only those who excel in the necessary qualities will make the cut, and, in this way, we egg ourselves on.

Again, to serve the Lord in His church is an ambition. We might think, “As long as I have the desire to serve, then God will accept me.” Maybe it seems more loving or politically correct to believe this. But in my opinion, this is a gross oversimplification.

If I have the desire to be a doctor, then can I just begin treating patients? If I have the desire to get a PhD, then can I just expect to get a diploma? Of course not.

Isn’t God higher than all of these? Isn’t His house more honorable than any worldly office? Thus, if I have the desire to serve God in His house, then can I just begin to lead, teach others, and make decisions? Of course not.

If we want to serve God, we must view this ambition with the highest regard. We must be ready to do whatever it takes to prepare and train ourselves, giving up whatever may hinder us from attaining the standard of God. Only then can we serve well and “obtain a good standing in the faith” (1 Tim 3:13).

At the end of Joshua’s life, he told the Israelites, “[C]hoose for yourselves this day whom you will serve,” (Josh 24:15) and the people emphatically said,

            “Far be it from us that we should forsake the Lord to serve other gods…We also will serve the Lord, for He is our God.” (Josh 24:16, 18)

This is a good and touching response. But how did Joshua answer them?

            “Now therefore, put away the foreign gods which are among you, and incline your heart to the Lord God of Israel.” (Josh 24:23)

Thus, in order to serve the holy God, we ourselves must be holy, set apart, above reproach, blameless. Others may commit adultery, but we are faithful to our spouse. Others may indulge, but we exercise self-control. Others may be given to drunkenness in wine or pleasure, but we remain sober-minded. Others may be inappropriate and despicable, but we are respectable and of good behavior.

The list in 1 Timothy chapter 3 goes on: not violent, not greedy for money, not quarrelsome, not covetous, able to manage his family. Whereas others’ hearts are inclined towards themselves, our hearts are inclined towards God and His household. Only those who excel in these necessary qualifications are worthy to serve.

            They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. (1 Tim 3:10, NIV)

We may devote much time and effort in becoming someone of consequence in this world, but no matter how much we invest, the results are temporary. If, instead, we dedicate and offer ourselves to spiritual ambition, the results are eternal.

Wouldn’t obtaining an eternal reward require a much greater investment than something temporary? Therefore, let us re-evaluate our perspective towards serving the holy God. If we are given an opportunity to serve the church in any capacity, let us not regard it casually but rather in reverence by keeping holiness with all diligence.

If anyone desires to serve the Lord, he desires a noble task. But the privilege and honor of serving is not simply given but earned.