Read: Titus 1:1-16 (Amplified & New Living Translation)
Welcome to Simon’s house. He is a Handyman by trade. When you walk through the front door you notice that the molding missing from the door. To the left, you see bare wiring exposed where the switch plate should be. A hole is in the plasterboard around the hall light. The living room is only partially painted. Yes, Simon calls himself a handyman, but those skills aren’t visible in his own home. What does he think of his own work?
SKILLSET NEEDED FOR LEADERSHIP
What did Titus think of the skills of the prospective church elders he had to choose from? Newly appointed by the Apostle Paul to serve in Crete, Titus was to “set right what remains unfinished and appoint elders in every city.” (Paul led many to the faith and Titus’ job was to organize churches in which to grow and mature the new believers. Many men may have thought they were qualified to lead, but Titus needed to be particular in making that choice. The candidates required the mindset of Christ.
THE CULTURE OF THE CANDIDATES
In the Cretin culture, telling the truth was not considered a virtue. This hindered Titus’ search. How could he find believers who weren’t under suspicion of being immoral or rebellious? Furthermore, the candidates had to exhibit such high character as to be blameless. The requirements were a high skillset in following Christ. Where could he find men who were peaceful, weren’t addicts, and were totally honest?
NOT GIVING UP AND JUST MAKING DO
Titus didn’t throw up his hands and say, “Well, I guess since we are short-handed, I’ll just have to make do with these guys.” He searched for those who loved people and adored what was pure and wholesome. Titus sought leaders totally sold out to Christ. Paul writes about the danger of it being devious times. Titus looked for those who devoted to knowing the Word of God and who could refute the false teachers abundant in Crete.
HIGH STAKES
Paul realized the stakes were high. “For there are many rebellious men who are empty talkers [just windbags] and deceivers.” Titus pursued solid believers to lead the fledgling churches; men who not only skilled as believers, but who daily practiced living with Jesus as Lord. The pressure of living in Crete as a believer was enormous. Paul knows it is not a time to have leadership be weak in living out the Christian life.
HOW DO YOUR SKILLS RATE?
Whether you are a man or a woman, how would the Apostle Paul rate your skills in living your Christian life? If you had to fill out a questionnaire, would the Holy Spirit confirm you have acquired these character traits Titus searched for? Can your dearest friends attest you live a blameless life, are not arrogant or quick-tempered, not a drinker,not violent, and not dishonest with money? Are they always encouraged because of your positive conversations? Do they know you belong totally to Jesus and aim to always live a disciplined life devoted to Christ?
WHO TO ASK FOR GROWTH IN SKILLS
Ask yourself if you put in the work and obedience to learn from the Holy Spirit the skills of the life God envisions for you. Simon, our friend the self-proclaimed “handyman” had a business card proclaiming his abilities. But Simon’s real skills, or lack thereof, were exhibited in his own home. Are your skills as a believer evident to those closest to you? Why not ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you your Christian life skills this week? Ask Him to help you mature in your spiritual life. I bet Simon’s family wished he was a better handyman and even more – a better follower of Christ.
