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NASB | Titus 1:6 namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Titus 1:6 namely, a man of unquestionable integrity, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of being immoral or rebellious. |
Bible Question: Does this mean that if all your kids aren't saved you can't be a pastor? By what age? |
Bible Answer: Greetings Sotmhg, I know exactly where you are heading with your question - my mother in law actually withheld herself for a time from deaconship at First Baptist Church in Lebannon, IN (which is the church in which I and her daughter were married) due to the fact that her youngest son was not a believer (and still does not), and always getting into trouble with the law, being a trouble to society. But eventually, she was encouraged by the church to finally attain to the position of deacon as a well earned reward for the years of Christian service that she has given her church in their music ministry. The youngest son is now 18, and willfully chooses his own path, regardless of the many Christian witnesses that he has surrounding him. We will continue praying that the Lord will save his soul in time as well. The NKJV rendering of Titus 1:6 says "faithful children", which basically means children who have saving faith in Christ and reflect that faith in their conduct. If the parent is unable to lead his or her family to salvation and sanctification (see also 1 Tim. 3:4,5), then how can they be expected to lead the church? This is the primary argument as expressed in Titus 1:6 and in 1 Timothy 3:4-7 in regards to the relationship of the children's conduct to the parents' qualifications and suitability of attaining to deaconship. As I see it in my own example with my mother in law, she has been a beacon of faith for her family and in the church for many years. And her daughter (my wife), her firstborn son, and her husband (everyone in the family except for her youngest son), have all been encouraged by her faith, not to mention myself and everyone in the church and where she works, etc, etc.. Therefore, if a person so obviously exhibits the fruit of their faith in their works to their fullest ability, and showing leadership in their family in regards to salvation and sanctification despite the dissent of only one person who willfully disobeys, then I believe that that one person should not be permitted to be the hindrance that prevents the rewards of leadership in the church to the saved individual that is a benefit to all who welcome the message of the Gospel. I hope that this helps! Blessings to you, Makarios |