Today's "characteristic" of an overseer is "temperate". This is a word found 3 times in the Bible and two of those times are used to address a characteristic of older men and in specific here an overseer. The remaining one time is used of women in 1st Timothy 3:11. I guess no matter our gender this is an important character to have. The true meaning of this word is to be sober. This is a person who is not only level headed but doesn't respond hurriedly and excitedly. A term that comes to mind is even-keeled. As the emotions go up and the stakes get higher, a temperate man will keep his calm and keep the main thing, the main thing. A sober person would be right thinking and not so easily persuaded by the addictive qualities of wine or pornography. I think of any time we receive "sobering" news. We sit and quietly contemplate, and consider, things we have been told or observed and thoughtfully consider action. This to is a valuable standard the Lord has set for His overseers. Keeping the main thing, the main thing.
Mark
