Paul’s letter to Timothy turns out to be timely. I have grieved again this week over fellow ministers who have taken a leave of absence or walked away from ministry. This seems like an epidemic in the last few years. It has happened in Houston, our state, and all over the country. I know it is not new, but it makes me sad.
After Paul told Timothy to stay in Ephesus to correct false teachers, he acknowledged the grace which selected him and empowered him to serve the Lord. God flipped the script on Paul when he was a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man. Mercy there was great and grace was free. God still uses flawed people. If we had all been “ok” Christ would not have had to die. But Paul did not stay in his sin.
Still, in the remainder of our reading today, Paul went on to show the kind of life God’s servants should live if they are serving as leaders in the church (3:1-7). Jesus saved Paul from his sin and set him apart for service. Timothy was to find overseers who were above reproach domestically, financially, and relationally both within and without the community. Some years ago I realized that a minister with no accountability is likely to come to no account.
What is our response to these servants of God who have fallen by the wayside. We should pray for them and gently restore them, because we too, are susceptible to sin. Some actions may disqualify them for further vocational ministry. As we mourn our own sin and theirs, we pray that God will raise up another generation of ministers. Seminaries are training fewer people. We may someday not have enough preachers to fill the pulpits of the churches in our convention. Ask the Lord of the harvest to “throw out” workers into his harvest. He will answer our prayers.
