5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 1 Timothy 3:5-6

As many of you know, we saw verse six played out firsthand. In the early Mongolian church, there were very few believers more than five or six months old as believers. Still, some needed to step up and lead, lest it be run by foreigners for a long time. We noticed that it was very easy for the leaders to become “puffed up” and conceited when they stepped into the position of power, just like the Scripture states. We tried to come alongside and guide but it wasn’t always easy or practical.

This is where we stop and thank God for Scripture. The Holy Spirit guided Paul in writing this, knowing full well about the struggles new leaders face. It was a warning to us, and with good reason.

There is just so much wisdom in the Word of God!