3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
We are looking at the qualifications for pastors, but I don’t want you to just skim over this thinking, I am not a pastor so this does not apply. All of us are responsible to living a godly life. This list for pastors is really a list for all believers who are wanting to reflect the character of Jesus. If we live this way, we will positively influence our world. The list continues here with the second directive toward mood altering substances. The first one dealt with moderate, controlled usage, this one directly states a pastor should not allow alcohol to have control of their lives. Unfortunately those with alcohol problems don’t see the alcohol as a problem, so this blindness influences their perception of their usage. The best course of action, especially in our western culture where alcohol is not really needed, is abstinence. In Bible times alcohol was used to sterilize water for drinking. The small amounts of alcohol mixed with water, (the normal practice) makes sense in a world of bacteria and non-filtration. Some cultures use alcohol in moderation as part of their everyday lives. These cultures don’t have the overuse that we do in the USA. Those who overuse in those cultures are disciplined and pressure is brought to bear. Drunkenness is accepted almost nowhere except here in the States. We even celebrate drunkenness, selling videos of disinhibited women on Spring Break! It is easy to see how a drunken pastor can negatively affect their ministry. But their lives must be one of gentleness, following after the leadership of Jesus. Even Jesus’ enemies did not get a berating personal attack. Their sin was confronted, but Jesus never lost control of Himself. This means even in Board meetings, and with their spouses and family. Violent pastors are again a walking contradiction. And Paul closes this verse with the downfall of many American pastors. The allure of money, the “I deserve it because I work so hard” or the “God wants me to prosper” lies have become pervasive in the church. Remember, it is harder for a rich man to get into the kingdom…. Wealth has a way of poisoning our motives and actions. We begin to lose focus on eternity as we focus on the new car, watch, suit, house, pool … thing! People become a means to getting the stuff we want, instead of using the money to reach more people. All areas of life need to be brought under submission to Jesus. This even includes our money, or should I say His money!
The Arnold Journey 