Paul gives a list of character requirements for ministry
First he lists what the person must not be; above reproach, not arrogant, or quick tempered, not violent and not greedy for gain. He then lists what must be; hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.
Unless we are with a person 24/7, how do we know the qualities we observe truly belong to the individual? Almost anyone can appear to be something they are not for brief periods of time. There are four keys to knowing a person is who he or she appears to be.
- The Holy Spirit’s revelation (Acts 1:2, 6:5)
- The interaction of the person with family members i.e. wife and children (Titus 1:6)
- Trials, very difficult situations (1 Corinthians 11:17-19)
- Time (1 Timothy 3:61 Thessalonians 1:5)
We must use all four keys. Any keys used alone will of necessity open the wrong door, simply because we are fallible people.
