In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. (1 Tim. 3:8)

While in high school, I played football as a quarterback. There was one team we never could seem to beat. We came really close my junior year when the score ended 14 to 12 on their home field—what some would refer to as a hostile environment. It was a pivotal game, where our small school in Hoke County earned the respect we always felt we deserved. That year our team soon became ranked in the state and went on to advance deep into the playoffs.

That season, I learned that respect isn’t just given, but earned. Other teams, news media, and our conference leadership needed evidence that we could do more than talk a good game. That Friday night after a hard-fought battle of David against Goliath, we walked the walk.

This week we’ve looked in both 1 Timothy and Titus to find out what God said through Paul to his mentees. He challenged them to choose people who are trustworthy and respectable. These character traits seem to stem from what we see throughout Scripture in God’s character.

Today, my prayer is that you will allow God to produce in you a holiness that comes through more than just Sunday mornings, but Monday through Saturday as well. Not only when the spotlight is on you, but in the dark when no one seems to be looking.

Lead the kind of life at home and in public that is worthy of respect.

Santes Beatty is director of multiethnic ministries for The Wesleyan Church.

© 2019 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.