1Timothy 3:4-7 He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity 5 (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), 6 and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. 7 And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
This time let's just tackle the first half of that statement; for there are two requirements in view (managing a household and new convert).
And the intent of the statement is very straight forward. How can we expect a person who cannot manage relationships well at home, to manage relationships in a congregation? Note what Paul says is the determining factor in managing the household: it's the children's behavior.
My experience is that too many Christians especially as we grow older forget that kids will be kids. There's a big difference between being a kid and being out of control. To demand that kids be 100% behaved 100% of the time is unrealistic and legalistic. (Matt 18:6 …but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.)
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