1 Timothy 3:8 (ESV) — Deacons likewise must be dignified, not
double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain.
NOTE: There are
16-17 requirements for an elder. There are seven requirements for a Deacon and
twice that if you count the women as wives. The later could easily be
deaconesses. The requirement to not be double-tongued is unique to the deacon
and not mentioned about the elder. The word double-tongued means to say
something twice, once to one person, and then by implication, something
different to another person. It is lying just another form of lying much like
lying by omission. It is presenting information in such a way as to deceive
another. In my mind, the requirements for an elder are considerably greater
than a deacon. A deacon should be a good man, but not necessarily a spiritual
man. They serve the church and are of critical importance. But they are not the
teachers of the church.
PRAYER: Father,
thank you for our deacons and how they serve. Forgive my critical spirit when I
expect different behavior from them. That is not a requirement of scripture for
them to be an elder, and I must remember that. Forgive me for thinking negatively
of any person in the body.
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