November 22, 2019
1 Timothy 6:11-12
But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.  Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
New International Version (NIV)
                  Who holds ministers accountable?  Mark my word:  an unaccountable pastor may quickly come to no account.  We hear about them in the news periodically.  When people become accustomed to living on a  pedestal, the fall can be painful. 

                Paul writes to the church about widows and elders in the previous chapter.  Churches had lists of widows over the age of sixty.  Those who were destitute received help from the church.  Elders were to be compensated for their work.  But what if one went astray?  Two or three witnesses were necessary to confirm the preacher’s problem.  But if it were true, they were to be disciplined publicly.  Two thousand years ago Paul anticipated ministers misuse of money and power. 

                As a pastor, Paul wants Timothy to flee from the love of money and to live with contentment.  Then in one phrase he captures the real source of accountability for all of us:  “In the sight of God.”  God sees us.  You have a point of view.  I have a point of view.  God has view.  No wonder Joseph fled from sin saying, “How could I sin against God in this way?”  Human accountability is helpful.  Divine accountability is perfect.  We will one day give an account to God for our lives.  What will we say?  
Pray with me:      
Father, You are God the blessed and only Ruler, King of kings and Lord of lords.  Immortal, you live in unapproachable light.  We can’t see you with our eyes today but you see us.  Thank you for loving us perfectly.  In your sight today, we want to live lives that are pleasing and acceptable to you.  Deliver us from deceiving others and ourselves.  We know we can never deceive you.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen. 
This year our Every Day with Jesus readings will follow The Bible Project Read Scripture Plan.  Copies of this reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download 
the app at readscripture.org.  Read through the Bible with us in 2019!
Joyfully, 
Duane 
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