1 Timothy 3:11 Respect

In the same way, the women  are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. 

Observation

Here we see that women were in fact in key leadership positions in the church. On the other hand, nothing is listed on what these key positions were or what they did. We know that women in leadership had to be qualified.  According to 1 Timothy 3 all leaders had to qualify to a certain set of standards in order for the church to reach it's mission.  Interestingly enough, the NLT version doesn't say women instead it is qualifying the wives of the leaders. I believe Paul is talking to women (not simply wives of leaders). "He is saying that people are watching you, younger ladies are looking up to you. Make sure that you are worthy of that respect." 

Paul addresses specific behavior on the part of women, ones that he knows we struggle with; backstabbing and gossiping. Moreover our temperament is addressed. Are we on an emotional roller coasters all the time or do we have a pretty consistent temperament?  Finally, we have to ask ourselves if we are faithful in all areas.

Application

Receiving respect from others has been a challenge for me in leadership from the beginning. At first it was because I was a was young and a woman, now it is because I have no musical training and I'm a woman. At least I think that is why. Usually, if given enough time, people generally come around. However, my behavior should not and is not based on whether or not they respect me. Paul didn't say act this was and you will receive respect, he says to act in a way worthy of respect. At the end of the day I have to be able to say that my actions were worthy of respect. 

Now the hard look. Am I a backstabbing gossip? I don't think I am, but the temptation is definitely there and if I am around people who constantly gossip and are critical I will easily get infected with the same junk. So I have to watch who I am around.

Do I have an even temperament? I think so, but this is probably a better question to ask those around me. I see any waver emotionally as justified, but others that I work with or live with would be able to give me a more accurate view of my temperament. 

Finally, am I faithful? Yes. It is only because of Christ though.  When the going gets tough I want to leave. It is Christ that anchors me to His mission.

Prayer

Father, thank You for molding me and making me more like You. We both know that I would be and have been a malicious, backstabbing, unfaithful, gossip. It is Your love for me that continues to transform me. You are incredible.