Ruling Well

"Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially those who labour in the word and doctrine."

1 Timothy 5:17

Passages such as this one are not to be used by those in church leadership for self-serving purposes, but hold forth the practical value of godly leadership the Body of Christ benefits from.  Paul went on to say this "double honour" can involve financial support.  Though he worked as a tent maker to support himself during his missionary journeys so the Gospel would be without charge, it was fitting for him to be supported with practical provision in exchange for spiritual truth which is beyond price.

In our western mindset, we need context about what it means to "rule well."  In the modern-day west, people place great value on personal freedoms as individuals and have no desire to be "ruled" by anyone.  Perhaps verses like this provoke wariness in people whom have experienced or seen abuses justified by those who claimed to wield spiritual authority from God.  It would be wrong to assert the elders ruled well by heavy-handed policies and authoritarian demands, living like kings who imposed their will on others.  Some wonder if they have the right to even "speak against the LORD's anointed," that it could be sinful to oppose or even question those in authority.  It is not a systemic problem but always a personal one, for God has showed us by example what ruling well looks like in the person of Jesus Christ.  Ruling is not about being "in charge" but rather choosing to humble self under God's charge.

The one who rules well must submit to be ruled by God and to walk in His ways.  When God acquiesced at the demand of His people Israel to have a king rule over them, it was required by God in Deuteronomy 17:18-20:  "Also it shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write for himself a copy of this law in a book, from the one before the priests, the Levites. ¹⁹ And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God and be careful to observe all the words of this law and these statutes, ²⁰ that his heart may not be lifted above his brethren, that he may not turn aside from the commandment to the right hand or to the left, and that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children in the midst of Israel."  Kings were not to lord over the people of God but humbly submit to His rule, writing a personal copy of the Law to increase his knowledge of God and His ordinances.  It was not enough for a king to know the Law but needed to keep it himself and view his "subjects" as brethren, all under the authority and grace of God.

The disciples of Jesus were annoyed when James and John sought a privileged position of authority by Jesus' side, and by extension to be promoted over the other disciples.  Matthew 20:25-28 reads, "But Jesus called them to Himself and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. ²⁶ Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. ²⁷ And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave--²⁸ just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."  The Gentiles wielded their authority over others to benefit themselves, but the responsibility of those who rule in the church is to be the servant of all, to take the lowest place, to make more sacrifices than others for the glory of God and His kingdom.  Ruling does not mean controlling others or demanding respect, but submission before God in serving one another.  Those who are under God's authority in leadership do not pine for the adoration and accolades of men, for their aim is to direct all attention to Jesus Christ.

On the night Jesus was betrayed He girded Himself with a towel and washed the feet of the disciples.  In doing so He provided an example they and we are to follow:  the Master and Messiah crouched on His knees to wash the feet of Judas who would betray Him and of Peter who would deny Him.  Jesus knew all the feet He  washed would run away and forsake Him in His hour of need, but that did not keep Him from what the Father commanded Him.  The conduct of Jesus honoured His Father even when He would be dishonoured, and such is the lot of all those who rule well.  It is continuing to seek God and trust Him faithfully in all seasons, and it is only by the power of the Holy Spirit Who guides us into all truth we can endure.  Ruling well is never an easy gig because it is frankly impossible for man, but what is impossible for men is possible with God.  All honour for ruling well goes to God, and praise Him for those He guides and sustains to provide faithful examples among His people.