Daily Office reading for 5/18/05

1 Timothy 3:1-16 (NRSV)

1 The saying is sure: whoever aspires to the office of bishop desires a noble task. 2 Now a bishop must be above reproach, married only once, (According to the ECUSA, it is OK to leave your wife as long as it is for a man. If it was for another woman, then you would be disqualified. ) temperate, sensible, respectable, hospitable, an apt teacher,...

15 if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth. Unfortunately, the "pillar of the truth" appears to be crumbling. If we would only follow the directions given to us. The apostle Paul, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, was giving us instructions on behavior. He did not recommend an "anything goes" lifestyle. He gave us "ought to's". This is what you ought to be doing. Being married to one wife sends a message of faithfulness, loyalty, steadfastness, and most of all, love. All of which are qualities a leader in the church should possess.