Scripture:
Titus 1:5-9 NKJV
[5] 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— [6] if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination. [7] For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, [8] but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, [9] holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.
Observation:
I have struggled with what to write today. This is the second SOAP that I have started, but I believe it’s the right one this time. I was struggling so hard to get anything down on the last one, and finally, the Holy Spirit said that’s because it’s you writing it… I have told you what to write. You see, I didn’t want to cover this topic. I wanted to fluff it up and make everyone feel good. But that’s not going to happen… sorry. Titus is a very short book. However, at the same time, just like the letters James, Peter, and John wrote, it’s full of uppercuts to the heart. This morning, I want to talk to the leaders. Those who have been called to be an example. Titus himself had just planted a church. One that in his heart he knew would be successful. After some time, he had to have gotten a report that things were not going as planned and felt it necessary to write to give instructions. Telling them to set in place leaders. Capable men who walked with integrity. If you look at verse 6, you can see the list of required attributes starting with, “a husband of one wife, well-behaved children, able to manage his home. The list of conduct goes on. It’s not just one or two items… it’s a bunch. Titus tells us there is a responsibility to lead. It’s not a position you put just anyone in. You have to carefully consider who you place there. You have to look at their conduct. In James Chapter 3, James comes at it from a little different position but with the same idea. He says, “Not all of you should want to be teachers because you know that teachers are held at a higher level of accountability. What James is trying to say is the same as what Titus is saying. Don’t just jump in or put just anyone in that position. Which them because they are going to be leading others. People are going to do what they do. Verse 8 is one of those verses that just kind of lets you have it if you are in a position of leadership, and let’s not get me wrong…. that’s who I’m talking to this morning. Leaders should love what is good and turn from evil, being just, holy, and self-controlled, holding fast to the faith that they were taught so that as they lead, they can correct others and not be hypocrites in doing so.
Application:
The way you conduct yourself as a leader matters. You are held to a higher standard. You should hold yourself to a higher standard. The question is, where are you trying to lead people? The Bible says in Luke chapter 6 and verse 40 that when a student is fully trained, he will be like his teacher. Think about that. Those whom you have been put to lead will be like you when they are fully trained. Your conduct matters. It’s shaping the church. As a leader, what you are doing is shaping the leaders of tomorrow’s church. You can either be a good example or a horrible one. But know that people are following you. Not just those you have been called to lead but your family as well. Your children will do what you do. The Bible says so… the suns of the Father will be revisited unto the 3rd and the 4th generation. Here’s where I changed it up for you. If you are a parent, you are a leader. You are leading your kids, and they will follow in your footsteps. The Bible says it’s better to have a millstone tied around your neck and be thrown into the pound than to lead one of HIS little ones into sin. Do you know how big a millstone is… let me tell you, it would be impossible to swim with one tied around your neck. What you do matters. Everyone is watching, and how you conduct yourself in church and out of church will be seen. If you are wrong, it will be exposed. Nothing that is in the dark is kept there. But here is your saving grace. The Bible says to confess your sins one to another so that you may be healed. There is your out. I want people to be able to look at my life and see the presence of the Almighty GOD is leading my steps. I want them to hear HIS words come from my lips and know that what I speak is what I do. I want my actions to lead people to a desire to be more like Christ every day. I want less of me and more of him. Laying down my flesh a d being led by HIS Holy Spirit. This is my call oit to you if you are a leader. Be a good example… not a bad one.
Prayer:
Father, this morning I ask for the hearts of those who read this to be prepared and be willing to receive what is said. I ask for my heart to do what is said as well. The last thing I would ever want is to lead someone in the wrong direction or to give them the idea that something that is wrong is OK to do. You have called to be conformed to the image of your son. My prayers are that you will take what has been said and use it to correct those who need correcting. Help us to lead in the manner that is worthy of what you have called us to. We are fully known and fully loved by you. Show us where we are wrong and help us correct it. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.