“Deacons likewise must be dignified, not two-faced, not given to excessive drinking, not greedy for gain” (1 Timothy 3:8 NET).
The final characteristic given to us in 1 Timothy 3:8 involves financial propriety. For instance, a deacon should not be someone who receives monetary or material benefits from questionable sources. Nor should a deacon use the power of his or her office to obtain such benefits. Instead, a deacon should be the kind of person who is “…not greedy for dishonest gain” (AMP).
This becomes especially important when we remember that deacons are often tasked with the responsibility to manage and distribute financial offerings and monetary gifts. As one commentary wryly observes…
“Deacons must not be greedy for money. As has been mentioned, one of the functions of a deacon might be to handle the funds of the local church. This exposes him to special temptation if he has a lust for money. He might be tempted to help himself. Judas was not the last treasurer to betray his Lord for mere money!” (1)
The following portion of the Biblical book of Ephesians also highlights the importance of having the right underlying attitude towards financial integrity …
“Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world” (Ephesians 5:3-5 NLT).
So this passage reminds us that deacons are entrusted with the responsibility to fulfill their roles in a manner that demonstrates fidelity to Christ and the congregations they serve. Those who manage these responsibilities in a God-honoring manner will obtain a substantial reward, for as Jesus once said to His disciples…
“The trustworthy servant is the one whom the master puts in charge of all the servants of his household; it is the trustworthy servant who not only oversees all the work, but also ensures the servants are properly fed and cared for. And it is, of course, crucial that a servant who is given such responsibility performs his responsibility to his master’s standards—so when the master returns he finds his trust has been rewarded. For then the master will put that good servant in charge of all his possessions” (Matthew 24:45-47 Voice).
(1) William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary, (3:8) pg.2088