How well do you stack up ?

In continuing in our theme, “How we ought to behave in the house of God,” I have chosen this week to look at the standards required of the office of Pastor and deacon in (1 Tim. 3:1). Here the Apostle Paul calls the ministry of a Pastor, a “good work,” and the deacon’s office, one of “good degree.” God desires that all men live up to this good degree, regardless if he has a title or not. As I have said before, we are not to wait till we hold such a position, but rather live these high standards regardless. (1Co 4:1-2) “Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” What we need today are faithful men, more in love with God than they are this world. Men who have chosen to live up to these high standards, without being forced to. God asks that the Pastor and deacon be “blameless,” meaning that they are not guilty of disobeying God’s Word in practice. But aren’t all men commanded to be blameless as well ?  (2Pe 3:14) “Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.” Therefore men, the will of God for you is to be, “blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt. to teach, not given to wine, no striker, not greedy, patient, not a brawler, not covetous, one that rules well his own house,… of a good report…”  How well do you stack up ?