He Must Shine Outside the Walls of the Congregation

629 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from 1Ti 3:7 Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. (1 Ti 3:7) Last on this list of pastoral qualifications is the pastor must have a good testimony among those who are outside. This “testimony” is evidence of the qualities of a life changed by Jesus Christ. The evidence must be such, that if he were charged with being a man of questionable character, there would not be enough evidence to convict him. This testimony must go beyond his congregation. He is to be well-thought of even among those who are not Christ followers. A pastor who has displayed evidence contrary to good moral character runs the risk of “falling into” or being overwhelmed with wagging tongues that defame him, rail against him, taunt him. These railings are an indirect railing against Christ Himself, as the pastor is a direct representative of the Good Shepherd. These railings then cause people to speak ill of Christ and this is the great snare of the devil. It is anti-christ if you will. Background checks are imperative in the world we live in today, use them before approving a pastoral candidate, lest you call someone who's behavior could cause those on the outside to reject the Savior. How much damage has been done to the cause of Christ by church bodies that have not dealt with their pastors' sexually immoral behavior, or pastors who have shown a lack of financial integrity? To bring a pastor into moral reproach is a great trap that the devil sets to keep people away from a saving relationship with Jesus. Church bodies need to “man up” in this regard. Admit the error and remove these pastors who have disqualified themselves from this good work, and if an outsider is given cause to speak evil of the church because of pastoral indiscretions, then pastor, you must find another line of work, and congregation? You need to find another pastor.