«This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work» (l Timothy 3: l).
I IN 1 TIMOTHY 3 Paul presents the qualifications for bishops and deacons (w. 2-7), During apostolic times, the position of bishop was the equivalent of the current office of elder. Let us look at those qualifications:
- Blameless: They should be free of all moral misbehavior.
- Husband of one wife: They must not practice polygamy, have a concubine, or commit adultery.
- Temperate: They should not drink alcoholic beverages and must care for their body as a temple of the Holy Spirit.
- Sober-minded: They should be prudent and have self-control.
- Hospitable: They must have a welcoming spirit.
- Able to teach: They should be willing to be taught, and able to instruct others in the truths of the Word, following the example of the great Teacher.
- Not violent: They should not be belligerent or quarrelsome, but rather have a conciliatory and peacemaking spirit.
- Not greedy: In other words, they should not love money.
- The minister’s children must show that they respect their parent, through their obedient behavior.
- Good testimony: They should have a good reputation, so everyone may fully trust and respect them, even those outside the church.
A religious leader is God’s representative, and that can only be attained by God’s power and grace, and through a life that is totally committed to Christ and the mission.
Every health organization recommends washing your hands frequently, as it is essential to safeguard your health. However, I want to pose another challenge. It is very common for people in the world to «wash their hands,» in the sense that they lack identity, integrity, and commitment.
Many are followers of Pontius Pilate. He perceived the truth of Jesus but lacked the courage to make a commitment. He washed his hands, but not his conscience. He missed his great opportunity and is forever associated with this sad expression as a symbol of lack of commitment, determination and courage. Today many people also «wash their hands.»
Don’t we wash our hands when our lives do not reflect the qualities listed by Paul in this chapter? Don’t we wash our hands when our lives are not built upon communion
and spent on the mission?
That is why, while we frequently wash our physical hands, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), also practice the Wonderful Savior’s Order (WSO):
Never «wash your hands»! Generous hands are mighty hands and hands that fold in prayer are hands that open up to give to others.
