Conclusion
In conclusion, please don’t misinterpret this series, we don’t have to be perfect to be use by God. The point that I tried to make is that we must grow up; we must be mature. As Paul speaks about the requirement of Elders, we must also understand that every believer should also aspire to this level of character:
Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. 2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full[a] respect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap. First Timothy 3:1-7 (NIV)
Notice that in verse 6 Paul gives a warning about recent converts, that is, immature believers. When given an assignment they are not ready for, they can become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. The devil became so prideful that he wanted to be like God or, replace God all together. When this happens, the immature believer will become a stumbling block to the unbeliever.
Imagine a person in charge of any ministry who is not faithful to his wife, who has no self-control, who is easily angered, not open to hospitality, not willing to fellowship with the saints, with a violent temper, a person who abuses alcohol, a lover of money, does nothing to correct his children, with a bad reputation in the community, his neighborhood, his job, etc. I just describe to you a very immature person who is not ready for ministry… period! This is a person that MUST allow him or herself to go through the discipleship process.
Beloved let’s be teachable and let’s allow the discipleship process help us to grow. Let the Lord fix your marriage; get your finances straight, live within your means, get a budget together and be stable emotionally. Deal with your sin in the secret place; take it seriously. We are not perfect, we will make mistakes, but embrace holiness and stop embracing carnality. Stop your friendship with the world system, separate yourself and be holy as God is holy. Most importantly, get closer to God so that you can enjoy and learn to live a life filled with peace and joy and, don’t be bound by depression, anxiety, anger, etc. Know that at the end of the day growths comes from God, for HIS Glory and for the service of HIS people. Don’t let your will get on the way of your growths and embrace the call to grow up.
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