Never Effortless

Ugh! Lawn day.

It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. 1 Timothy 3:1

Literally the first phrase is better as "True is the word" but I have not found a translation which poorly translates the phrase. It is important, however, in that it establishes the veracity of Paul's next topic—it's okay to seek leadership, which is a good work. The qualification list that follows in verses 2-12 weed out the right people (the unqualified) and are a must-be-adhered-to-list.

Often missed in the interpretation of verse 1 is the meaning of "work." Strong's says it's "toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication an act: - deed, doing, labour, work." Leadership, especially the servant leadership God expects, requires effort.

The many men who've mistakenly missed this point have failed—and usually in the area of servant-hood. A true servant leader is in the position because his desire is to do God's work and serve both Him and others. Serving oneself in leadership misses the point of it and ends in failure.

Aspire to the office for the right reason, then be ready to work.

Pressing on, Ed