"The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?" 1 Timothy 3:1-7

So when you read this do you feel disqualified? I think everyone would. But do you also realize the challenge to be accepted? Paul, the author, not only challenges his young protege Timothy, but he's challenging anyone who dares to lead God's people. He welcomes us to raise the bar of our behavior by inciting new personal "aspirations." And this is only possible when we first submit and become receptive to God. For no one can live up to these expectations, that is unless grace and the Spirit of God empower them. And then it is from this that we lead in our family, church, and in life - it's raising the bar from the overflow of a submitted life.

DO THIS: Raise the bar of your leadership.

PRAYER: God, I need to stop disqualifying myself and lean on your grace and Spirit. Help me today to become the leader that you desire me to be.