Leaders Are Not Always What They Appear to Be

The sins of some people are conspicuous, going before them to judgement, but the sins of others appear later. So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden.

1 Timothy 5:24–25

All of us serve in the light of the coming judgement. God sees all things. Nothing is hidden from Him. But people are not always what they appear to be, and that is why we should exercise caution in appointing leaders.

Paul says, “Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands” (5:22). Don’t be hasty in appointing people to positions of leadership. Get to know them over time. Here are a few reasons why…

“The sins of some people are conspicuous.” Some people are obvious sinners—you can see the pattern of destruction in their lives.

“The sins of others appear later.” Others are secret sinners—behind what you see is a life filled with all kinds of evil.

“So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden” (5:25). Some good works are immediately recognised and praised. Others are known only to God. But just as God sees and will judge secret evil, He also sees and will reward the hidden good.

William Barclay’s comments on these verses are helpful, “There are some whose good deeds are plain for all to see, and who have already won the praise… of men. There are others whose good deeds have never been noticed… never thanked, never praised, never valued as they ought to have been. They have always been taken for granted.”

If that’s you, remember, God sees what others have missed. Jesus said that even a cup of cold water given in His name will receive its reward. The judgement of God that should bring fear to those whose sin is secret should also bring comfort to those whose good deeds are hidden from view.

Are you feeling unappreciated today? Take heart. God sees and rewards what others have missed.