Is and Is Not

Titus 1-Part 4
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.
Titus 1:6-7 NAS


LET IT GLOW

In between doctor appointments, it is always good to do self-examinations. Do I detect anything that needs to be brought to a doctor's attention? Is something present that should not be there? So it is with spiritual things. Can I be honest with the Lord as I read the following? Is there a quality found in me that is not supposted to be there, but it is there? Will you join me dear friends?

In the previous lesson, I listed 12 characteristics that Paul described to Titus as the character of a man suitable for the high and holy office held in the church, which is found in verses 6-9. I divided them into two parts: those qualities he is supposed to have (read in yesterday's lesson) and those he is not supposed to have. Then I asked if those characteristics shouldn't apply to all believers and church members, also. I'm using Swindoll's New Testament Insights on 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus as a reference. Note that we're using the New American Standard Bible.

The spiritual leadership of the church should NOT be:
1. accused of dissipation, which refers to a life not known to be chaotic, disorderly, wasteful, or otherwise
    filled with drama. This elder should have learned by experience how to manage his affairs.
    A bishop or overeseer is the steward of God. A steward has charge of or governs another's affairs
    (Heb. 13:17). (Falwell)
    This steward manages spiritual truths, lives on God's behalf, and is wholly accountable to Him. The church
    is God's (Acts 20:28), and elders or bishops are accountable to Him for the way they lead it. (MacArthur)
2. accused of rebellion refers to "insubordinate, undisciplined, or unwilling to take direction."
3. self-willed, which is a negative way of describing a submissive spirit. A self-willed person despises the
    proper authority of others in his life. He wants his own way, to do as he pleases. He is stubborn and
    reluctant to submit to the decisions of others. This man is arrogant, self-interested, driven by strong
    independence, and has a general spirit of entitlement. He's a smuch strong-willed as self-willed and self-
    serving.
4. quick-tempered means that a man chooses what will move him to appropriate anger. However, he
    doesn't possess an underlying spirit of anger that manifests itself in his "flying off the handle." He avoids
    outbursts of anger or angry words, especially when confronted or contradicted.
5. addicted to wine, shouldn't be restricted to alcoholism. An elder carefully avoids surrendering control of
    his body to the effects of any substance.
6. pugnacious describes a man who's neither contentious nor quarrelsome. (King James verson says "no
    striker.")
7. fond of sordid gain refers to a disposition that isn't greedy of gain or insatiable of wealth and ready to
     procure it by disgraceful means.

LET IT GROW

Are there any of these characteristics that I find in my life? Am I willing to work on eliminating them?

Swindoll says, "A person who lacks these spiritual qualities should never hold a position of authority in the church, no matter how successful he is in business or how much influence he wields in the community. The role of an 'elder' requires traits that conform to a different standard, that of godly leadership, servant-leadership as our Lord modeled when He came 'to serve and to give his life' (Mark 10:45). Godly leadership models grace, extends mercy, demonstrates compassion, show forth joy, cultivates an atmosphere of peace, and encourages others to participate by using their gifts and abilities. He pursues the voice and opinions of others and then heeds their wise counsel. He will seek the highest good in the lives of others, refusing to seek his own way or to maneuver himself into any position of power."

If you and I are leaders in a church, whether it be a teacher or a chairman of a committee, do we possess the qualities Swindoll was talking about? Do we show grace, mercy, compassion, joy, peace, encourage others to serve, ask for counsel, considerate of others?


LET IT GO

Take the exam, asking the Lord to show me if there's a quality I need to develop or illiminate in my life.

Ask for Jesus' help.