Elders who lead well should be paid double, especially those who work with public speaking and teaching. The scripture says, Don’t put a muzzle on an ox while it treads grain, and Workers deserve their pay. Don’t accept an accusation made against an elder unless it is confirmed by two or three witnesses. Discipline those who are sinning in front of everyone so that all the others will be afraid. I charge you before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels to follow these practices without bias, and without playing favorites. Don’t rush to commission anyone to leadership, and don’t participate in the sins of others. Keep yourself morally pure. Don’t drink water anymore, but use a little wine because of your stomach problems and your frequent illnesses. The sins of some people are obvious, and the sins are judged before the people must face judgment, but the sins of other people show up later. (1 Timothy 5:17-24, CEB)
I have to say I have issues with this passage and getting a title for the devotion was a little difficult.
Elders who lead well should be paid double. Well, who decides if they lead well, and why two or three witnesses? I get we need to make sure that an accusation is correct but sometimes there are not witnesses and it is a credible accusation.
And discipline those who sin in front of everyone so they will get in line because they are afraid. Seriously? Fear is a motivator but never a good one. Why would we say this and why would we want this in scripture?
Maybe most of this is good and I jumped the gun with issues, but fear is never a motivator to choose. Maybe we discipline those sinning in front of all so that the community can help them live a life that shows the love of God to the world, not so the community is scared to do anything because they will be the next to be before the community. If we as a community lift each other up rather than condemn love will abound more.
Love everyone without bias and help others follow God.
Loving People. Loving God.
aSacredRebel 