Thursday, November 14 This is not the way among you. —Mark 10:43. Today, brothers who are “reaching out for an office of overseer” do well to examine themselves as to why they are reaching out. (1 Tim. 3:1) Those who are now el- ders may want to ask themselves frankly whether they have a de- sire for authority or prominence as some of the apostles did. If the apostles had difficulty in this area, then elders can appreciate that they need to work hard to avoid any worldly tendency to en- joy having authority over others. Granted, there are times when the elders need to be firm, such as when protecting the flock from “oppressive wolves.” (Acts 20:28- 30) Paul told Titus to keep “ex- horting and reproving with full authority.” (Titus 2:15) Yet, even when having to take such action, the elders try to dignify the ones who are involved. They appreci- ate that rather than harsh criti- cism, gentle persuasion is usually more effective in reaching hearts and in moving someone to follow a right course. w11 6/15 3:17-19
Posted on: Thu, 14 Nov 2013 07:01:13 +0000
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