DAILY TEXT, Wednesday, September 30, 2026. If a man is striving to be an overseer, he desires a very good work (1 Tim. 3:1).

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Wednesday, September 30, 2026

If a man is striving to be an overseer, he desires a very good work (1 Tim. 3:1).

If you have been a ministerial servant for some time, you likely already meet many of the qualifications for being an elder. Could you put in a little more effort and reach that “very good work”? What exactly does an elder do? He takes the lead in preaching, works hard shepherding and teaching the brothers, and builds up the congregation by what he says and does. With good reason, the Bible calls these hardworking elders “men like gifts” (Eph. 4:8).

What does it take to be appointed as an elder? Meeting the requirements to be an elder is not like meeting the requirements to get a job. In the working world, it is usually enough to have the basic skills the employer asks for. In contrast, to be appointed as an elder, it takes more than being skilled in preaching and teaching. One must meet the Scriptural qualifications listed at 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. w24.11 20 pars. 1-3

What does it mean to be "irreproachable"?

One of the qualifications for an elder is to be “blameless.” In other words, no one in the congregation should be able to question his good conduct. In addition, he “must have a good reputation with people outside.” Unbelievers may criticize his Christian beliefs, but they should not have any valid reason to doubt his honesty and goodness (Dan. 6:4, 5). Ask yourself, “Do I have a good reputation both inside and outside the congregation?”

What does it mean to “love what is good”?

“Loving what is good” means noticing the good qualities in others and commending them. It also includes finding joy in doing good for others, even going beyond what is strictly necessary (1 Thess. 2:8). Why is it so important for elders to be like this? Because they must invest much of their precious time in shepherding the congregation and caring for their responsibilities (1 Pet. 5:1-3). Even so, the joy of serving others makes any sacrifice worthwhile (Acts 20:35).

In what ways does someone show that they are hospitable? (Hebrews 13:2, 16)

A “hospitable” man does not limit himself to doing good things for those in his circle of friends (1 Pet. 4:9). As one reference work says, “the door of your house and of your heart must be open to strangers.” Ask yourself, “Do I have a reputation for welcoming visitors?” (Read Hebrews 13:2, 16.) A hospitable man shares what he can with those who visit him, including those with limited resources and those who work hard for their brothers, such as circuit overseers and visiting speakers (Gen. 18:2-8; Prov. 3:27; Luke 14:13, 14; Acts 16:15; Rom. 12:13).

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