Titus 1:5-16 - Equipped
Titus 1:5-16 - Equipped
I enjoyed listening to a commentary this morning that unpacked a little more about Titus. According to this commentary, Titus was a “stud,” a very strong and powerful leader. Looking at all the references to Titus in Paul’s writings, it shows how full of zeal, charismatic, and fearless Titus was. Basically, the opposite of Timothy, who was much more reserved, shy, and needed a little push now and again. As we dive into this section of the letter, I could understand a bit more knowing the wiring of Titus, and it gave me a little perspective of why Paul may have dispatched Titus to the Isle of Crete.
“One of Crete’s own prophets has said it: “Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.” This saying is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the merely human commands of those who reject the truth.” - Titus 1:12-14 NIV
This is a big task that will require a strong leader. Crete was a wheels off city and is a key reason why Paul sent Titus to build out a network of churches, that had good leadership and sound teaching. I am not sure what you are processing reading this, but for me, I am processing and thinking about the overwhelming task that Titus had. Imagine for a moment what this task, project or mission would have felt like.
“The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.” - Titus 1:5 NIV
So the Isle of Crete was a wheels place, full of dishonesty, distorted doctrine, and Titus was supposed to come in and bring order and build a network of churches in every town with trustworthy leaders. Wow. This is a calling, this is a mission, and this was Titus' purpose and passion. Titus was equipped by God and ready for the task. This is our message, and this is the message for us as leaders to know that no matter the size and complexity of the task at hand, we are fully equipped to fulfill the calling and purpose that God as placed before us.
Paul goes on and gives Titus instructions of who to appoint in leadership across the lands.
“An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. 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 1:6-9 NIV
This type of person Paul is describing is the exact opposite of what was in place in Crete. This is a great view and description of what solid leadership looks like. This morning I am praying and using these verses as a guide, as a mirror of sorts to see where I line up. If we are going to compare ourselves to anything, let us as leaders only compare to these verses, how do we stack up, and what areas do we need to bring correction, guidance, and growth towards?
Father, may this opening chapter of Titus be a guide for us of what good leadership looks like. Lord, may we not look and compare ourselves to others, but use your Word to be our guide. May this letter also be a gift of encouragement that no mission, purpose, or task at hand is too big, too complicated or too daunting for you. You have equipped us with all we need to fulfill the mission and calling you have for us. May we serve and lead today in a way that pleases and brings honor and glory to your name. Amen