Morality: He who is spiritually mature is a “one-woman man,” faithful in marriage. His habits and his heart are devoid of adultery (Matt. 5:27-28) and full of self-giving love (Eph. 5:25). Such faithfulness is sustained by walking by the Spirit (Gal. 5:16). In marriage, we are givers, not getters (1 Cor. 7:3-4), and in singleness, we maintain undistracted devotion to the Lord (1 Cor. 7:35). Immorality not only keeps a man from ministry, but from heaven itself.[1]
Mind: The mature man also maintains a sober mind (“temperate”).[2] He is ever aware of the threat of temptation, the deceitfulness of sin, and the schemes of the Devil.[3] He is alert, dressed in readiness, keeping his lamps lit (Lk. 12:35). The overseer who exemplifies this diligently watches his own life and doctrine (1 Tim. 4:16), for a drowsy shepherd endangers his sheep. Alongside his alertness is his sound mind (“prudent”).[4] He is not led by impulse but by clear biblical thinking. Instead of giving in to anger, fear, appetite, or excitement, his mind and emotions are governed by God’s truth. In this sense, his mind is well-ordered and his conduct reflects that order, and he is thus “respectable.”[5] This is a man who loves God with all his mind, as well as his heart, soul, and strength (Mk. 12:30). This is Jesus’ way off life, and He beckons us to behold Him and walk in His ways (2 Cor. 3:18; John 8:12). Faithful stewards continually look to the Lord and are thus radiant (Ps. 34:5). May our leaders exemplify this and evermore direct our eyes toward our dear Savior (Heb. 12:2).
[1] Hell for the immoral (Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:5-6; Col. 3:5-6; Rev. 21:8), hope for the repentant (1 Cor. 6:9-11).
[2] NASB’s “temperate” is nēphalios (νηφάλιος), which is sober or sober-minded (1 Th. 5:6, 8; 1 Pet. 1:13; 5:8).
[3] Sobriety is needed because of impending spiritual danger (1 Pet. 5:8; cf. Eph. 6:11; Matt. 26:41; Heb. 3:13).
[4] NASB’s “prudent” is sōphrōn (σώφρων), or of a sound mind, what all are called to be: Tit. 1:8; 2:2, 5, 6, 12.
[5] NASB’s “respectable” is kosmios (κόσμιος), literally, orderly or well-ordered: cf. 1 Cor. 14:33, 40; 2 Tim. 1:7.