Paul wrote to Titus as a father would to his son. He pronounced a benediction of God’s grace, mercy, and peace. Three blessing that every leader needs to do God’s work.
“For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you.” [2]
The Greek word for “set in order” was used sometimes for resetting a bone that had been broken, or for aligning teeth that were crooked. Paul advised Titus to appoint elders who would keep the Church in alignment. Tires on a car that are misaligned may cause the car to pull towards one side of the road or to the other rather than keep the car moving straight forward. Misaligned tires usually wear out unevenly and prematurely. “Titus, put leaders in place who will help you to keep the congregation moving straight forward.”
Next, Paul describes what alignment for an leader looks like. Faithful in marriage. Having children that are not insubordinate. A good steward. Not self-willed. Not quick tempered. Not given to wine. Not violent or greedy for money. Hospitable. Loves what is good. Sober-minded. Just. Holy. Self-controlled. Holding fast to God’s Word. Able to convict those who contradict God’s Word. He told Titus that the mouths of the insubordinate must be stopped lest they subvert whole households of people by leading them astray. [3] This is a tall order. The very reason that Titus needed God’s grace, mercy, and peace!
May the Lord give grace, mercy, and peace to all who are serving Christ as Paul describes to Titus!
The people of our world need to know what Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior did for them on the cross and at the empty tomb. He paid their sin debt to God in full. Only by Christ’s merits can anyone stand blameless before God on the last day. But how can they believe in Christ if no one tells them about Him? Jesus said of the servant who did nothing with his talent, “And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” [4] To dwell in everlasting darkness! To never see light again! What a terrible destiny!
“Dear Lord Jesus, help us to be about the Father’s business. Please bring us back into alignment where we have veered off course. Help us, Your people called by Your Name, to be like a well serviced vehicle that can get us directly to our destination, namely, to preach the Gospel and make disciples of all nations. For it is in Your Name that we pray. Amen.”
[1] Titus 1:4
[2] Titus 1:5
[3] Titus 1:6-11
[4] Matthew 25:30
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