Even one of their own prophets has said, “Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.” (Titus 1:12)
“Welcome to Crete! Home of notorious liars, evil brutes, and lazy gluttons.” I doubt that sign graced the port at Crete but apparently there was great truth in the statement.
Crete is a large island off the coasts of Greece and Turkey. In Paul’s day, it had a less than savory reputation. Its people were described as liars, brutes, and gluttons. In a word, they acted like animals, doing what they wanted when they pleased. As someone observed regarding Cretan behavior: “Cretans hated to work but loved to eat. They were self-indulgent, greedy, lustful, overfed and in poor physical condition.” Sound familiar?
How do you impact such a culture for Christ? That was Titus’ challenge as a young pastor on the island of Crete. Paul writes to him and tells him how he can lead the church in Crete to make a difference for Christ.
What is the first item on Paul’s culture-impacting agenda? Godly leadership. Leaders set the tone for the congregation and represent the church to the community. Whether on a national scale or a local one, people often judge Christianity by what they see in Christian leaders.
So what are the characteristics of godly leadership? Paul gives Titus a very similar description as he gave Timothy. Godly leaders are…
- Family-centered. They work hard to build up their marriage and train up their children.
- Self-controlled. Avoiding angry outbursts, violence, drunkenness or greed.
- Gentle and hospitable. Not overbearing but loving people by opening up their lives and their homes to others.
- Disciplined and knowledgeable. Living daily for Christ through Bible study and prayer and able to encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
It is interesting that Paul starts here. It reminds me that true church health and growth do not happen through impressive marketing, exciting services, great programs, big budgets, or charismatic leadership. These things can be important and helpful to a church. But true health begins with godly leadership living simple, godly lives on a daily basis before and with the people in their congregation. This is where church health and growth starts but it is not the complete picture. Paul gives more details in chapters two and three….
Though chapter one is focused on godly leadership, I think all of us can learn several things from this chapter…pray for leadership (I know I need your prayers!)…encourage leadership…develop leadership (this is why children’s and youth ministries are so vital)…and be a person that models leadership (because we are all leaders in some capacity and God may call you to serve in a leadership role now or in the future).
Father, protect the leadership at SWBC. Continue to raise up godly leadership within this church and use us to impact the culture around us for Your glory.