We're Priceless
Reputation Series
“He reaffirms the value in virtues such as temperance, reliability, and trustworthiness and invites us to implement them in the service of others - becoming his hands upon the Earth…”
“If anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.”
Explanation:
In this section of Paul's letter to the young pastor, Titus, we find a discussion of qualifications that Paul is looking for elders or leaders of the churches that he is planting. While it is certainly true that all men are sinners and could never perfectly measure up, nevertheless, Paul wants us to strive for holiness and to contend for the faith. For those who are following Christ, we are no longer defined by the vices and sins that have burdened us. We have been crucified along with Christ, and our sins have been put to death with him. This is the truth that every Christian can embrace, but with Church leaders even more so. Here, it is vital that those desiring to shepherd God's flock have a reputation that is consistent with living a Christian life, and bearing the fruit thereof.
Connection:
Everything we encounter today is ascribed some sort of value. We may, in some ways, be described as a new kind of man - homo economicus, or economic man. Everything, from our skills, our homes, our vehicles, and our recreation is all commoditized and monetized. There is next to nothing that we can't use to make money in some capacity. We even have a hard time thinking of things outside of financial terms.
This should come as no surprise. We have been conditioned from an early age to think of things merely in terms of their monetary value. What's interesting about God is that his value comes apart from any kind of human construct. It is because we are made in his eternal image that we all have intrinsic value and worth. He also gives us things like virtues to pursue, things that have value in and of themselves. One thing we cannot put a price on is our reputation. God wants his people to be set apart from the rest of the world, and because of this he urges us to examine our own lives, faults, and transgressions. He reaffirms the value in virtues such as temperance, reliability, and trustworthiness and invites us to implement them in the service of others - becoming his hands upon the Earth.
Action:
1. Examine Yourself -
Paul admonishes us to pay close attention to our actions. Therefore, take some time to reflect on the fruit of the spirit (Gal 5:22-23). Ask the Lord to work in you to bear much fruit, that others may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven (Mt 5:16).
2. Hold Firm to the Word -
In this epistle, Paul teaches us that a leader of the church "must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught" (Titus 1:9). God's word is unshakable, and when we hold fast to his word, we too become unshakable - unable to be moved by life's many winds.
3. Instruct Others -
Another benefit of holding firm to God's word is that it allows us to be able to instruct others. God is always raising teachers for his flock, and growing in God's word helps us to be on sure footing and see clearly to help our neighbor grow in their faith as well.