Pastor/Shepherd/Elder - Part 4
Verse 6 An elder must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall.
The word elder is used for a reason. I see a certain group of "missionaries" usually on bicycles who are teens and early 20's called "Elder" Kind of funny that someone so young would be called an "Elder"
While age is not the issue (Timothy was young) - Seasoning is. A new believer hasn't had that time to season. Its like when super star athletes come out of college early and become professional starters. The stardom goes to their heads and they do stupid things. Or like some of the hollywood starlets that we see who let fame go to their heads and get them in trouble.
Without the seasoning and wisdom that comes from years of following Christ the danger is pride. The truth however is that is a danger for ever single believer. It's the origin of sin. Satan fell due to his pride. He wanted to exalt his throne above God and be worshiped. He tempted Adam and Eve and pride took over - you eat this and you will be like God.
Proverbs says pride goes before destruction - and a haughty spirit before a fall. its easy as a pastor to look around and say "look what I did!" Its easy to get caught up in being noticed. Its easy to fall prey to satan's greatest trick - to make us think we are something. We are nothing without Christ. But int he power of Christ and under the control of the spirit with a vision from God and the word of God to guide - the church of Jesus Christ is unstoppable. It will be messy. Some days will suck. But in humility the leaders and the church can walk through anything satan can throw our way.
I love this verse:
Psalm 51:17 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
Look for that in an elder and God will move in the life of that Church!
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