SCRIPTURE:
”Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless - not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.”
Titus 1:7-9
OBSERVATION:
In Paul’s letter to Titus, Paul gives Titus great guidance in the appointing of elders in terms of character, attributes and resolve. Paul pulls back the curtain on the carnal ways of man and the struggles that plague people. He then lists in detail all of the attributes that man should endeavor to gain and live by as an example of one worthy and equipped to manage and lead in God’s work. The attributes not only include character and resolve, but also being sound in the Word of God to give testament and defense of His word.
APPLICATION:
Knowing my love for God and the honor it is to serve Him in ministry and leadership; yet knowing my carnal nature and those times that I fall short in mistakes and sin, really cause these scriptures to be a heart check for me on a daily basis. I know that my intentions are good, but I also know that my inherent reactions in mistakes and sin often take place before I can check myself by the will of the God. It is then that I am convicted that I am not the man I am called to be and the Christ that people should see in me. Yet I know that God’s grace allows me not to listen to the enemy and his discouragement, condemnation and lies; but to call on and receive the grace, hope and promise of God, and go forward to get myself back on track and in His will. Repentance is the remedy. Paul’s encouraging words also speak to me in being the Godly overseer in all aspects of my life, including my family and relationships; as this it is my desire that people would see Christ in me, and not the carnality that I am endeavoring to rid myself of.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, thank you for reminding me of who I cannot allow myself to be, and instead, who you call me to be as a leader of my family, pastor, and leader in ministry serving you. I pray that you will prompt me through the Holy Spirit in those moments of decision to do your will and not stumble in carnal ways. I also pray that you will strengthen me against the temptations of the enemy that I may “bounce and renounce” my old ways and pounce on your will and ways.
