Those who would lead must understand that people are watching them. Athletes and celebrities broker their influence yet protect their privacy with equal zeal. Paul reminds Timothy that ministry is more than words. A minister invites others to watch his life and to follow his example. Paul invited others to follow his example as he followed the example of Christ (I Cor. 11:1; cp. Phil. 3:17; II Thess. 3:7). He tells Timothy and Titus, his young apprentices, to set the example that would be viewed by others (I Tim. 1:16; 4:12; Titus 2:7).
The leader, then, had better walk circumspectly. He is to watch his life and doctrine closely. He is to be diligent to reflect the grace of God in speech, life, love, faith, and purity. He is also to watch his doctrine closely- which means he needs to know the substance of his own faith in enough particulars that he can defend it and promote it in the face of false teaching.
Others are watching. They will judge the truth of Christianity by how well the leader integrates truth in his lifestyle and how serious he is about the sacred text. He is to live his life in such a way that he invites that kind of scrutiny.
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