The Bishop

This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 1 Timothy 3:1-7

A bishop is a man appointed position that one desires to have. It comes with strict guidelines. Some denominations hold that women cannot be bishops because they have the right to teach and rule. Other denominations permitted. With each level someone takes in the church, the more there is a higher responsibility. The warning that they don’t fall into reproach or the snare of the devil also shows the risk is greater too.

Lord, I admit I don’t really understand all the offices of the church. I have never desired to hold an office. I only know You are the head of the Church and have called me to do the work of your ministry. Help me to the obedient to Your call and walk worthy of what You have called me to.