1 Timothy: Love From a Pure Heart, a Good Conscience, and Sincere FaithSample

Character Is Key

In the church, there are different types of pastors. We have worship pastors, children’s pastors, family pastors, and so on. We often think character is important for them, but really, character is important for all leaders.

God has qualifications for all teachers and leaders wherever they serve. I think it is interesting that the qualifications listed in 1 Timothy 3 are about character and not skill. Skill is important, and it is good, but skill can be taught and improved on more easily than character. Character is about who you are, not about your performance. Character is about the type of person, not their role in the church. Are they the type of person that others can look to? The question is less about perfection and more about the aim.

Character is about aim. What are you aiming for? What is the target? Character allows you to do hard things when there is no reward, or worse, there might be a penalty. Character is about doing what is right, even if everyone says wrong is ok. Character is about showing the truth no matter the cost.

I keep the list from 1 Timothy 3 on my phone and review it from time to time. I do this to examine myself to see where I stand. Sometimes I fall short, so I ask God to help me be the man He has called me to be. We need to be honest that none of us is perfect, and it is not about perfection. That train of thought can be defeating. When we are talking about being a leader, it’s not just about skill. Skill is important, but character is important as well.

Character is Key. Are you the right type of person? Who are you as a person? This is important because leaders will be tested, and the testing of a leader is good. It is good for a leader to be tested, and it is good for the people they lead. When leaders are tested, they are refined, and when they are refined, they can lead better.

What areas has God allowed you to lead in? Look around your family, your job, your friend circles, and see who you are leading. If there is anyone, anyone at all, your character is important. Ask God to help you become the leader He wants you to be. It might mean making some adjustments, but it will be worth it.