This is a true saying: if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 1 Timothy 3:1
When the bishop of a particular denomination was about to retire, the selection committee that was assembled to choose his successor announced they would make their choice from among the ministers who were currently serving within the parish. Some of the ministers quickly excused themselves, saying they had no interest in the position. But others indicated that they were interested, if the committee should consider them. These candidates then embarked on a series of activities that must be described as anything but Christ-like. They spread gossip and smear campaigns against each other. They maligned each other in public, even from their Sunday pulpits. They engaged in a number of things to make themselves look impressive while making other candidates look unqualified. Showing a bit of wisdom, the selection committee decided they needed to bring in an outsider for a bishop, after all. We shake our heads at how far away people can get from what God intended for those who would take on the task of leadership over His people. Because our text, and the several verses that follow it, describe what a true bishop is supposed to be.
Our text is not talking about a man who wants to take on a high office with great authority and a nice salary. No, the office of a bishop is not a job, but a deep commitment to take on the care of tending to the needs of the Lord’s people. Desiring the office of a bishop is understanding the needs that the Assembly has, the perils that it faces, the difficulties that it must overcome, and the direction that it must take. Such a bishop will know that the flock will have members who require special care and prayer. He will also know that the flock will have members who require guidance as they grow and develop their spiritual gift. There is nothing about the office of a bishop that would appeal to the flesh, because this office is never to be used to build up himself but is always for the building up of the Assembly and for the glory of Christ.
So why would a man want to be a bishop – or elder or overseer – in the Assembly? Our text declares it: he will want a good work to be done and be willing to do it. As we look back over our lives, we can all recall elders who we watched carrying out their work, and we are thankful. We appreciate their words of rebuke when necessary, and encouragement when warranted. We appreciate their guidance when the way was not plain and their steadfastness when the enemy’s attacks were threatening the work and the testimony. They worked hard. And they worked well.
Faithful men shepherding God’s Assemblies have done us much good, and we give thanks that they were ever willing to take on this good work. – Jim MacIntosh