The Qualified and The Ordained

1Timothy 3:8-10

Deacons likewise must be serious, not double-tongued, not indulging in much wine, not greedy for money; they must hold fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them first be tested; then, if they prove themselves blameless, let them serve as deacons.

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I'll learn to work the saxophone
I play just what I feel
Drink Scotch whiskey all night long
And die behind the wheel
They got a name for the winners in the world
And I want a name when I lose
They call Alabama the Crimson Tide
Call me Deacon Blues

"Deacon Blues" by Steely Dan

So what does it take to lead the church? Paul says it's about behavior and attitude. To be serious does not mean to be dire, but it means to be attentive. It does not mean not to be fun-loving, but it does mean that there is a time and place for being intent to the job at hand.

Lying, cheating, and stealing are bad. Paul makes this clear. As for drunkenness, that's out. He isn't saying a glass of wine with dinner is bad though. Wine with meals was ordinary so he wouldn't stand against that. Making a living is one thing, being greedy another. Paul would not despise the rich, just those whose riches come on the backs of others.

Here's the fun one, holding fast to the mystery of faith with a clear conscience. One of the concepts of the mystery of faith is that our understanding ends up opening up an even more glorious depths of mystery. The more we know the more there is to know. We should seek God, and we should share what we know and what we learn; and it should always be done with the firm and certain knowledge that God is more than we could ever imagine.

In the end though, the Dan shows us that there are none among us without sin. There are folks who take drunkenness behind the wheel to dire consequences. Paul says "if they prove themselves blameless, let them serve as deacons." The Dan says there are those who pass the test and those who fail. I say that because of the mystery of faith, there are those who fail the test and will be ordained, they become deacons.

By grace and through the Holy Spirit the work is still redeemed. God bless Deacon Blues.