Titus 1:7-9 Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.

Wow! I wonder how many pastor search committees use this as their guideline for choosing someone? Much less, how many seminary students would there be if this were the requirements for entry? However, the list is not only detailed, it is down-to-earth and practical. We tend to focus on peripherals, such as speaking ability and even physical attractiveness, that ultimately matter very little. I’m reminded of James’ words of caution: “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” (James 3:1) One thing struck me in reading this in Japanese. Where the English says “overbearing” or “arrogant,” the Japanese says, “selfish.” People go into ministry for all sorts of reasons, and many are quite inappropriate. I won’t go into a list of possible motives, but many come to mind. The only essential motive is a desire to follow God and serve Him in full commitment. The Japanese term for “surrender to ministry” (as some groups call it) is kenshin, which means, literally, offering your body. (For reference, kenkin is giving money, as in what you put in the plate on Sunday morning.) Actually, this is something every believer should do, and I have preached to that effect numbers of times, but it is particularly important for all who would be in leadership in the Body of Christ. Without that attitude, the probability of meeting the list of qualities Paul wrote to Titus is very small indeed. No leader – indeed, no human being – is perfect, so we aren’t to be nit-pickers in relation to our leaders, but we are to remember that this is to be the standard and not the exception, and apply this standard to ourselves as well as to our leaders.

I have struggled in every one of the areas in this list, which helps keep me humble! However, I cannot deny the irrepressible urge to speak God’s truth. Every time I open my mouth it tends to be a sermon! However, I’ve got to pay attention and be obedient to the things God speaks through me. I’m not to be a Pharisee, saying the right things but not doing them. (Matthew 23:3) I’ve got to be aware of my own weakness and so teach with gentleness, though with full assurance. God’s Word is true, even if I’m not following it perfectly! I’m not the ideal pastor. A close friend, a retired pastor, said recently that he understands why I’ve always said I’m gifted as a teacher but not as a pastor. However, God is faithful, and He makes up for my deficiencies in various ways. That said, I am to keep watch over myself with this list in mind, not making excuses but walking in repentance, so that the Body of Christ may be built up.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Help me indeed be the servant You desire, for the sake of those around me and for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!