This saying is trustworthy: “If someone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a good work.” ~ 1 Timothy 3:1 (NET)
I’ve been spending time in the pastoral epistles (1 & 2 Timothy and Titus) this year. They are full of wisdom from the Apostle Paul, writing as he neared the end of his life. Paul knew that his season was over, and he wanted to prepare Timothy and Titus for their moment in history.
In 1 Timothy 3:1, Paul says that aspiring to the “office of overseer” is a good desire. While the office of overseer is a specific role within the community life of the congregation, I think the broader principle is also true. Whoever aspires to leadership within God’s household aspires to an honorable task.
Humans are full of many desires. Some are noble, some are neutral, and some are sinful. The mere fact that we have a desire does not make that desire good. Nor does it give us the right to pursue it. Jesus said, “If anyone wants to become my follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23).
However, desires are not automatically wrong—even ambitious ones. Christians often misunderstand humility to mean that we’re not supposed to desire to advance, achieve, or accomplish anything. Ambition is not a sin! Aspiring to leadership is not wrong! If you’ve dreamt about making a difference for the kingdom of God, that dream isn’t bad! Perhaps God has given you a desire for a good work. Pursue it!
The problem arises when ambition becomes selfish or vain—when we desire leadership for the sake of being seen rather than to serve the common good, or when we abuse our position of authority to get our agenda accomplished. In God’s economy, the ends do not justify the means. The purpose is as much (or more) in the process as in the product. God’s not just concerned with what we achieve but how we achieve it.
What do you desire? Take a little time to prayerfully write down some of the desires of your heart. Be brutally honest! Then, talk through them with God. Confess the sinful ones. And ask for wisdom to know what good desires God would have you pursue this year.
By the way, if you think the Lord might be calling you to aspire to the office of overseer, let me know! ;-)