Being "Above Reproach"
The Call of God on Leaders in the Church
Blessed Saint Paul teaches us in his epistles to Timothy, Titus, and the Philippian Church, that deacons and bishops, and I would suggest by extension all those who are leaders within the church, are to be “above reproach”. (1 Timothy 3:2, Philippians 2:15, Titus 1:6-7) This is a fascinating phrase. Saint Paul lists off a series of character traits that are required of those who would serve as leaders. They should be the husband of one wife, mature in their faith, not quarrelsome, not given to strong drink, not greedy for gain, etc.
But all of these come together in Saint Paul's phrase “above reproach”. This does not mean perfect. This does not mean that the leader is infallible. It does not mean that the leader is incapable of making mistakes. What it means is that the Christian leader leads by example and is honest about his imperfections and his mistakes. The Christian leader is quick to forgive and to ask for forgiveness.
I am learning as a new Bishop that the tasks before me are ‘legion’. Some days I feel like there isn't enough time to do what needs to be done and sometimes I can become short tempered (my wife can attest to this!). However, the call of God on my life is that, even in those moments of failing, I am still to be ‘above reproach’, which means that I need to say that I am sorry for being ill tempered and I must ask for forgiveness.
It is this repentance which separates the sinner from the Saint. It is this honest and earnest confession, both to God, and to the those whom we have offended, which ultimately means that we are ‘above reproach’.
I am requiring all those who will be leaders within the Diocese of Mahajanga, both lay and ordained, that they sign an oath that they will live up to the biblical standard of being ‘above reproach’. This means that I am looking for leaders who take seriously the privilege and the responsibility of being an example to the faithful. This is about leading with integrity and honesty, and asking for forgiveness, when forgiveness is required. This is, I believe, what it means to be ‘above reproach’.
Sometimes we can offend someone without even knowing we have done so and thus we need that person to come to us and let us know how we have offended them so we can make restitution. We cannot just get up before the whole congregation and ask for forgiveness as many will have no idea what we are talking about and that could lead to gossip, which is a sin in itself.
I believe as professing that we are Christians we all should be “above reproach”.