Titus 1:5-16 reads:

For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion. For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain, but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict. For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of sordid gain. One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” This testimony is true. For this reason reprove them severely so that they may be sound in the faith, not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth. To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled. They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed.

Food for Thought

Where is the trajectory of your life going? Are you on a path that will see you someday living out the positive, elder-worthy traits given above and avoiding the traits of rebellious men? START NOW! If you are in Christ, do not put off the development of character. No matter how young you are and regardless of whether or not you currently have a desire to serve as an elder, begin to live a life that develops and demonstrates these traits right now!

Are you or are you on a path to be…

1. Above reproach?
2. Husband of one wife?
3. Having believing children?
4. Not even accused of dissipation (overindulgence/wastefulness) or rebellion?
5. Above reproach as God’s steward?
6. Not:
   • Self-willed?
   • Quick-tempered?
   • Addicted to wine?
   • Pugnacious?
   • Fond of sordid (dirty) gain?
7. Hospitable (sharing)?
8. Loving what is good?
9. Sensible?
10. Just?
11. Devout?
12. Self-controlled?
13. Holding fast to God’s word and good teaching for the purpose of exhorting and refuting?

Walk in the Spirit and be who you want to be!