O f all that is distinct about the Christian faith, this aspect stands apart: Its leaders are not contacted us to their positions since of rare ability, raw talent, or frustrating desire. They are not certified by the charismatic personality, the ability to draw a crowd, or skilled rhetoric. Rather, Christian leaders are called and certified by godly character. In passages like 1 Timothy 3:2 -7, Titus 1:6 -9, and 1 Peter 5:1 -3 we read what a male should be if he is to function as pastor (or senior, if you prefer).
D.A. Carson has appropriately pointed out that the list of credentials for seniors is “remarkable for being typical.” Why? Since “the requirements mentioned are required of all Christians all over. Which is another method of saying, senior citizens are very first of all to be exemplars of the Christian enhances that are presupposed as mandated on all Christians.” Every church is suggested to be complete of males and women who show these qualities. And if every Christian is suggested to show to display them, every Christian ought to wish them. This little guide lists each of those qualifications and recommends a few prayers associated with every one. Personally, I wish among these qualities each day, using the bullet points as a guide. Possibly you will discover it useful to do something comparable.
(Note: I have a pamphlet on this subject implied for specific or group research study.)
Above Reproach
I pray …
- . that I would have a self-evident character
- … that I would maintain a credible track record and be an example worthwhile of following
- … that my life would be so constant that there are no opportunities for blame or disgrace to be attached to it
- … that I would be devoid of any blight of character or perform so my life will remain irreproachable in the eyes of others … that through the power of the Holy Spirit I would recognize, fight, and eliminate sin any place it exists in my life
A One-Woman Guy (or a One-Man Lady)
I pray …
- . that I would be a one-woman sort of man (or one-man sort of woman), excellent in love and loyalty to my better half (or husband)
- … that I would not have roaming eyes or a thinking mind
- … that I would regard older females as mothers and younger ladies as sisters, in all purity (or older guys as fathers and younger guys as bros, in all purity)
- … that I would be appropriately discreet in my relationships with members of the opposite sex which I would never ever be flirtatious, promiscuous, or involved in any doubtful relationship
- … that I would be dedicated to my wife, nurturing and valuing her as Christ does the church (or dedicated to my hubby, happily submitting to his leadership as the church does to Christ)
Sober-Minded
I hope …
- . that I would be well-balanced, moderate, and devoid of excesses in my concepts and convictions
- … that I would be watchful and observant of what goes on around me
- … that I would not be the kind of person who misses what is essential while concentrating on what is of little value
Self-Controlled
I hope …
- . that I would be a noise, reasonable thinker
- … that the pride remaining in me would be tempered by a sobering awareness of remaining sin and individual frailty
- … that I would demonstrate a thoughtful restraint and modesty in all areas of my life
Decent
I hope …
- . that my life would be disciplined and orderly rather than sloppy, spread, or messy
- … that I would be accountable, finishing all my jobs and finishing what I begin
- … that I would be smart and level-headed in all my dealings
- … that I would practice prudence, recognizing and using scriptural concepts when making decisions
- … that I would show a sanctified sound judgment
- … that there would be a suitable kind of self-respect about me
Congenial
I pray …
- . that I would be warm, friendly, and welcoming
- … that I would open my home to buddies and strangers alike
- … that I would sacrificially use aid to those in requirement
- … that I would show a determination to share with others whatever God has provided me
Temperate
I hope …
- . that I would establish and preserve biblical convictions around alcohol and any other compound for which there is even the least possibility of abuse or dependency
- … that I would never ever breach my conscience, pass judgment on others, or flaunt my flexibility
- … that I would be moderate and self-controlled in my usage of alcohol or any other compounds that may threaten dependency
- … that I would have the ability to take pleasure in God’s excellent gifts without ending up being enslaved to them
Faithful Daddy (or Faithful Mom)
I pray …
- . that I would be the head of my family (or happily submit to my other half as head of my household)
- … that I would invest adequate time with my kids and raise them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord
- … that I would not enable my children to be insubordinate or wild
- … that I would work out a humble, caring management over my kids and not be an autocrat who gains submission by force, control, or oppression
- … that my children would display regard for me in public and private
Upright
I hope …
- . that I would be equitable in my choices and counsel
- … that I would be reasonable in all my dealings
- … that I would deal with all people equally
- … that I would not neglect those who differ from me or who are quickly missed out on
Eager to See the Great
I pray …
- . that I would take delight in whatever thrills God
- … that I would voluntarily prevent whatever has an evil impact over me or those I take care of
- … that I would not be understood just for the evils I protest but also for the good I am for
Gentle
I hope …
- . that I would not be pugnacious, combative, or susceptible to lash out at others
- … that I would be approachable even to people who disagree with me or who want to confront me
- … that I would be kind and patient in dealing with others
- … that I would be sensitive to the sensations of others so my words and actions show inflammation and promote recovery
Peacemaking
I pray …
- . that I would not be contentious or excited for a battle
- … that I would always seek to make peace with others
- … that I would be quick to ask forgiveness to those I’ve angered and fast to ignore offenses committed versus me
- … that I would eagerly and joyfully comply with others instead of being quarrelsome or competitive
- … that I would not be easily drawn into arguments or into playing devil’s advocate
Not a Fan of Cash
I pray …
- . that I would not make material belongings the aspiration of my life
- … that I would decline to pursue monetary gain above everlasting things, preferring to accumulate treasure in heaven than in the world
- … that I would not compromise my household or my spiritual health on the “altar” of my job
- … that I would not be greedy or covetous, however rather be generous and quick to offer to those in need
- … that I would offer a generous portion of my income to the church and rejoice when doing so
Humble
I hope …
- . that I would be versatile in handling people and with concepts not plainly revealed in Bible
- … that I would not persist and insistent on getting my own method in matters of wisdom or individual preference
- … that I would not be so wrapped up in my own ideas that I become insensitive to the ideas and feelings of others
- … that I would not be so reckless that I run over other people or stop working to hear their knowledge and opinions
- … that I would put others initially so that I do not believe of myself more highly than I should think.Respected by Outsiders
I hope… that I would be
known by people
- outside the church which they would respect me for my godly conduct and consistency of life … that I would have good reputation with neighbors, loved ones, and coworkers … that I would be submissive to authority in the church, at work, and in federal government … that my name would lack blemish in my neighborhood … that I would be a model of greats in your home, at work, and in my neighborhood so that by doing good to
- others God will be glorified Holy Life I pray… that the Scriptures would be my requirement for living … that I would have an obvious desire to be like Jesus Christ … that I would constantly and obviously fight versus sin and look for to please God Practices Godly Self-Restraint I pray… that I would have control over my passions and emotions … that I would run my life in accordance with the New Testament’s ethical commands There are just a couple of certifications that are unique to senior citizens and not directly required of other
- followers. I am listing them here with some suggested prayers.Not a Rookie I pray… that I would withstand temptation and sustain tests to prove my faith is genuine … that I would show continuous development in my character and carry out … that I would grow in my understanding of the Scriptures and their application to my life … that I would not permit any sort of prominence or position
to incite pride within me …
- that I would carefully look for blind spots in my life to guarantee I am not ignoring any location of remaining sin Able to Teach I hope… that I would constantly apply myself to the discipline of studying the Bible, so I would be a student prior to I am a teacher … that I would grow in my ability to take my understanding of the Scriptures and use it to the church for their edification and development … that others would benefit by listening to my teaching … that I would grow in my capability to hold individuals’s attention and apply God’s truth
- in a fascinating and interesting way Desirous of Ministry I pray… that I would preserve my desire to serve the Lord as one of his under-shepherds … that I would delight to carry out the ministry God has actually called me to
- in a fascinating and interesting way Desirous of Ministry I pray… that I would preserve my desire to serve the Lord as one of his under-shepherds … that I would delight to carry out the ministry God has actually called me to
- that I would carefully look for blind spots in my life to guarantee I am not ignoring any location of remaining sin Able to Teach I hope… that I would constantly apply myself to the discipline of studying the Bible, so I would be a student prior to I am a teacher … that I would grow in my ability to take my understanding of the Scriptures and use it to the church for their edification and development … that others would benefit by listening to my teaching … that I would grow in my capability to hold individuals’s attention and apply God’s truth
- followers. I am listing them here with some suggested prayers.Not a Rookie I pray… that I would withstand temptation and sustain tests to prove my faith is genuine … that I would show continuous development in my character and carry out … that I would grow in my understanding of the Scriptures and their application to my life … that I would not permit any sort of prominence or position
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