Today’s devotion comes from 1 Timothy 3:8-13.
“Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 3:8-13.
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The requirements to be a deacon are set forth in today’s Scripture like the requirements to be an elder were set forth in the preceding Scripture. There are some similar requirements, but the purpose of this devotion is not to focus on all the requirements to be a deacon.
The purpose of this devotion is to focus on the importance of dignity.
“Deacons likewise must be men of dignity” and “Women must likewise be dignified”.
If you ask people what images come to mind when they consider dignity, unfortunately many would say: “Stuffy like a stuffed dress shirt” or “inflexible” or “intolerant” or “demanding”.
But, here are the first two definitions of dignity by Merriam-Webster: “1 : formal reserve or seriousness of manner, appearance, or language. 2 : the quality or state of being worthy, honored, or esteemed.”
Consider the following Scriptures on the the importance of dignity.
“… so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” 1 Timothy 2:2.
“An overseer (also known as elder – Bill’s note), then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?),” 1 Timothy 3:2-5.
“25 Strength and dignity are her clothing,
And she smiles at the future.
26 She opens her mouth in wisdom,
And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27 She looks well to the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and bless her;
Her husband also, and he praises her, saying:
29 “Many daughters have done nobly,
But you excel them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,
But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
31 Give her the product of her hands,
And let her works praise her in the gates.” Proverbs 31:25-31.
“in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.” Titus 2:7-8.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 