As we dive deeper into our series on decent conduct, maintaining order, and steering clear of strange fires, we direct our focus to the wise counsel offered by apostle Paul to his beloved son in the faith, Titus. Just as princes undergo specialized training under the guidance of knowledgeable mentors to prepare for their future roles as kings, Titus received tailored guidance from Paul for his specific leadership position within the church. When Paul entrusted Titus with overseeing the churches in Crete, he charged him not only with administrative duties, but also with ensuring that the churches operated in accordance with established standards of faith and practice. In his task of appointing elders, Titus was urged to adhere to a standard of character and conduct rooted in Scripture, rather than conforming to personal preferences or societal norms. We ought to adopt the same attitude today, our experiences should not be the final authority on the making of our characters, but the Word of God should! It’s about aligning ourselves with what God says is right, not what feels right to us.
Reading from Titus 1:6, the apostle emphasizes the importance of chosen leaders being blameless. Being blameless means maintaining a reputation of integrity and avoiding behaviors or situations that could bring reproach upon oneself or the church. By upholding certain moral and ethical standards, leaders can minimize the risk of controversies or scandals that could undermine the church’s credibility. This emphasis on blamelessness also serves as a safeguard against the potential for ‘strange fires’ within the church. Furthermore, apostle Paul provides specific criteria for appointing church elders, emphasizing the importance of marital fidelity, commitment, and the sanctity of marriage within the church community, stating that the leader must be ‘the husband of one wife’. Additionally, the directive for leaders’ children to be ‘faithful’ and ‘not accused of dissipation or insubordination’ underscores the importance of spiritual upbringing and discipline within the family. As parents and leaders, we are tasked with nurturing our children in the fear and admonition of the Lord and instilling in them a love for God and His Word. The story of Eli serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of neglecting parental responsibility. Eli’s failure to discipline his sons, despite their disobedience and misconduct, led to God’s judgment upon his household. Therefore, we must take proactive measures to address and correct any wrongdoing, rather than turning a blind eye under the guise of “kids will be kids.”
Apostle Paul continued, ‘For the bishop (an overseer) as God’s steward must be blameless, not self-willed or arrogant or presumptuous; he must not be quick-tempered or given to drink or pugnacious (brawling, violent); he must not be grasping and greedy for filthy lucre (financial gain)’ (v.7). These virtues and standards of conduct are not exclusive to church leaders; they are qualities that all believers should aspire and strive to embody. These qualities extend beyond ministry; they can also propel you to success in various spheres, including the marketplace. In today’s rapidly changing culture, where reputations can be tarnished in an instant, maintaining a blameless life is not just commendable, but essential. As stewards of God’s principles, we are called to demonstrate faithfulness across all aspects of life. The admonition against being ‘self-willed, presumptuous, or arrogant’ applies universally. It is crucial to acknowledge our limitations and remain open to diverse perspectives. Quick temperaments and arrogance hinder progress and can lead to costly mistakes, making it essential to cultivate humility and self-control. Moreover, the apostle’s caution against appointing elders prone to excessive drinking and violence emphasizes the preservation of relationships and reputations within the community. Additionally, Titus 1:7 warns against leaders being motivated by financial gain, noting that they ‘must not be grasping and greedy for filthy lucre’. How we handle money reveals the condition of our hearts. Learning to be content and generous transforms our mindset from one of scarcity to abundance. Therefore, leaders should prioritize integrity, stewardship, and generosity, reflecting God’s character in their financial dealings. Jesus Himself cautioned against serving both God and money, emphasizing the impossibility of divided loyalty (Matthew 6:24). Therefore, leaders must maintain a healthy relationship with money – integrity, stewardship, and generosity should guide their financial decisions, ensuring alignment with God’s principles and purposes.
Moving on to Titus 1:8, this verse adds further dimensions to the expectations for leaders within the church community, emphasizing qualities such as being hospitable, a lover of goodness, sober-minded, just, holy, temperate, and self-controlled. These attributes are essential for fostering a healthy and nurturing environment within the church, reflecting the character of Christ and contributing to the edification of the church. Hospitality is not just a matter of opening one’s home; it reflects a heart attitude of love and friendliness towards others. Throughout scripture, we see numerous examples where hospitality led to divine encounters and blessings. For instance, Abraham’s hospitality towards three strangers led to the promise of a son (Genesis 18:10), and Hebrews 13:2 encourages believers to show hospitality, as some have entertained angels unawares. Furthermore, the Bible emphasizes being ‘loving and a friend to believers,’ highlighting the importance of prioritizing relationships within the household of faith (Galatians 6:10). Being ’‘sober-minded’ is another crucial aspect of leadership, as it involves the ability to control one’s emotions and make sound decisions. Emotions can often cloud judgment, leading to impulsive actions and regrettable consequences, as seen in the example of Esau selling his birthright due to emotional impulsivity (Genesis 25:29-34). Therefore, leaders must cultivate discipline and self-control to navigate challenges effectively and lead with wisdom. The apostle goes on to admonish Titus to rebuke all those found not to be in line in these qualities, for it is better to remove a cancer at its onset!
Apostle Paul also wrote to Timothy in the same manner, to bring order to all gatherings of believers. This is where he brought up the issue of men and women in the church setting, where the infamous, “Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence” (1 Timothy 2:11-12) verse is found. Many have twisted this to mean that women are not able teachers, completely ignoring the context and setting it was addressing, and leaving women oppressed and without voice in the church. It ought not to be so! The same way we ought to be disciplined during services, speaking in order and not while others are speaking. Let us not run from decency, but let us respect the house of the Lord and the structures He has set for us to come under.
Prayer
Father, we thank You for Your word of correction and admonition. Your word carries the wisdom we need to conduct our lives in a manner that will ensure our victory. Father, we pray that You continue to reveal to each and everyone of us, areas of ignorance, bias, and subtle pride and presumption. It is not our intention to live in darkness, when there is light available! We thank You for Your mercy. In Jesus’ name! Amen!
