The Greek [word] “kosmios” [often translated “respectable”] appears only twice in the New Testament: [in 1 Timothy 3:2] and just verses earlier in 1 Timothy 2:9. However, “kosmios” is largely synonymous with “semnos”, which the ESV translates as “dignified” in 1 Timothy 2:2; 3:8, 11; and Titus 2:2. (Related is the noun “dignity” in 1 Timothy 3:4 and Titus 2:7).
Men Worthy of Admiration – Why Pastors Must be Respectable. Copyright 2021, Used by permission. www.DesiringGod.org
Respectability loves others by not being rude (1 Cor. 15:5).
Men Worthy of Admiration – Why Pastors Must be Respectable. Copyright 2021, Used by permission. www.DesiringGod.org.
As BDAG captures it, [respectability] means “having characteristics or qualities that evoke admiration or delight”… In other words, to help others take you seriously, for Jesus’s sake. To present yourself as “worthy of respect,” carrying with it a sense of seriousness or holy dignity. Noble, esteemed, admirable. Not being frivolous or crass or indecent.
Men Worthy of Admiration – Why Pastors Must be Respectable. Copyright 2021, Used by permission. www.DesiringGod.org.
Mounce says [respectable] “refers to a person’s outward deportment or outward appearance.” Towner says it’s “an observable quality of behavior with an inward source.” He says that “respectable” appearing after self-control “is almost predictable.” It occurs frequently alongside “self-control” in the literature, the two together completing a picture of honorable and dignified bearing.” Inward self-control, outward respectability.
Men Worthy of Admiration – Why Pastors Must be Respectable. Copyright 2021, Used by permission. www.DesiringGod.org.
To be sure, the kind of dignity or respectability to which God calls His people, and His pastors, is not simply outward appearance, words, and behavior, but a manifestation of inward virtue. It’s a subtle quality that demonstrates internal stability, and is not an outward show. It elicits respect and demonstrates worthiness of trust. It is a genuine external expression of inner maturity — not hollow or faked.
Good pastors help the flock in its call to respect its leaders. Christ calls His church to respect its leaders, and He calls its leaders to do their part to be respectable — make respect easier, not harder. Church, respect your leaders. Leaders, be respectable. We acknowledge the difference between being respect-ed and respect-able. We are not charged to be respected; that lies beyond our control. But we can be respectable… Good leaders, out of love for their people, seek to cultivate and maintain a kind of humble, godly dignity that encourages, rather than discourages, respect from others. They make it easier, not harder, for the flock to take them seriously as they take Jesus seriously.
Men Worthy of Admiration – Why Pastors Must be Respectable. Copyright 2021, Used by permission. www.DesiringGod.org.
Being respectable does not mean that you won’t be mistreated, that you won’t be falsely accused, or slandered, maligned, or insulted. In fact, being genuinely respectable, on God’s terms, might make you a target of the evil one. But there is a respectable, dignified way to handle mistreatment. Indeed, when unfairly and poorly treated, true dignity shines its brightest. There’s a time, like Jesus, to simply remain silent before your accusers. Other times to own and apologize for any part that’s yours. And other times, like Jesus, to say calmly, bring forward the evidence. They crucified the most respectable man who ever lived. And we respect Him all the more because of how he handled it.
Men Worthy of Admiration – Why Pastors Must be Respectable. Copyright 2021, Used by permission. www.DesiringGod.org.