1 Timothy 3:6 Mature Believer

1 Timothy 3:6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgement as the devil.

Still discussing qualifications for eldership Paul adds here in 1 Timothy 3:6 that such a person must not be a recent convert. He must not be a neophyte, one newly planted. A reason is given for this. Just as one is careful with a newly planted tree or bush so one must be with a recent convert. What does Paul mean exactly by recent convert? No doubt there will be differences in definition from time to time and place to place. Always, however, some months at least or years in most cases must pass before a man can be given the responsibility of eldership. The argument is that otherwise he may become conceited (all smoked up) and fall under the same judgement as the devil which appears to be a reference to his ambitious pride. The Bible never spells it out in so many words but it appears that it was ambition that undid the devil, who was not content with his high position before God but sought something higher. Of course, a period of waiting does not guarantee the eradication of pride and ambition but it does give a cooling off period when one can come to terms with certain matters and is a policy that must be applied in all churches. In today's climate something like three to five years between conversion from the world to eldership might be appropriate.