Titus 1 - Being God's Manager

We started a 30-day challenge with the Men's group at my church this week. The challenge is to read a chapter a day and then text or email two accountability partners to confirm that you read your chapter.

The vision is from Isaiah 55:11, "...My word that comes from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and will prosper in what I send it [to do]." As men study God's word, He will do mighty things through them.

Today I started with Titus 1. In keeping with the theme of this blog -- discovering how we can take refuge in God -- I find Paul's instructions to Titus very challenging. In Titus 1:7-9, Paul describes an overeseer as "God's manager" and his requirements are that he " must be blameless, not arrogant, not quick tempered, not addicted to wine, not a bully, not greedy for money, but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, righteous, holy, self-controlled, holding to the faithful message as taught, so that he will be able both to encourage with sound teaching and to refute those who contradict it."

You may be asking, "How do you get 'take refuge' from that?" Imagine with me that you are working at your job for a manger described as "blameless, not arrogant, not quick tempered ... hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, ... self-controlled" Would you not enjoy working for that type of manager? What about living in a household with a person like this? We might describe this person as even tempered, reasonable, loving and even compassionate. Now take that same perception from work or home and apply it to who God wants to provide as an elder, overseer, leader in your church. We can take refuge, knowing that God's desire for those who would be a source of leaderhsip and guidance to the church are of a character that we as individuals would enjoy living and working with on a daily basis.

God loves us so much, that He not only gave His Son for us, He also provided instruction for every part of our life. Not only the character that we should display, but also the character of those who would lead us within our church. Take another look at the description of an overseer. Would you qualify? If not, I challenge you to ask God to lead you to someone who does. Once you have found that person, ask them to pray with you and even to mentor you as you grow in your faith and character.

Take refuge that God wants the best for you and wants you to be the best that you can be. Seek to grow in faith and character as you seek to be more like Christ every day.