One of the main reasons Paul left Titus on the island of Crete was to “appoint elders in every city” (1:5). Weak leadership in the church would lead to instability and disunity, so Titus needed to empower men who were spiritually mature to pastor and oversee these congregations. This would be no easy task because not just anyone could be an elder, but only those who were qualified. Paul goes on to list the qualifications of an elder which are very similar to the ones he had written to Timothy (1 Timothy 3:1-7). An elder must be blameless. Being blameless is probably the primary characteristic of an elder because it implies a life free from controversy or indiscretion. Someone who was plagued by a shameful public testimony should not hold the office of an elder. Secondly, he must be the husband of one wife which literally means he should be a one-woman man. His children also should be be faithful “not accused of dissipation or insubordination” (1:6). Simply put, the pastor must be able to handle his own household before guiding the church. An elder is a steward of God meaning that he has been entrusted to carefully handle the truth as well as the church (1:7a). Paul goes on to write that one who leads the church must not be “self-willed, quick-tempered, given to wine, violent, or greedy for money” (1:7b). On the other hand, the elder must be “hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word…that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict” (1:8-9). Yes, the standard for being a leader in the church is high, but God desires people who will represent Him well before the people. Again, God is not expecting a man to be perfect, but to be completely devoted to follow in His steps. The church is very close to the heart of God. Paul even wrote in the letter to the Ephesians that Christ loved the church and sacrificially gave Himself for it, so an elder must also have a great love for the people of God. Let the standard remain high for those who wish to lead the people of God and may they continually submitted to His will. If you are already a leader in the church, rededicate yourself to exhibiting these characteristics in your ministry. Represent God’s church blamelessly that others may see your example and seek to follow.
Dear God, make me a blameless leader before Your people. Do not allow me to let down my guard. May I take the ministry You have entrusted to me seriously and lead the people in the way they should go.
