Faithful on Fridays Blog

Let’s remember why Paul wrote this letter to his mentee, Titus. It was to help him develop good leadership training for the churches on Crete which was no small thing. The pagan influence was rampant and new Christians would need guidance in living this new life in Christ they just entered into. The reputation of the churches was at stake, therefore, the reputation of Jesus was, as well. Do we represent Him well, even today?

Paul ends his letter with encouragement to take his advice seriously, insist that the new leaders trust his teachings, and watch their churches grow. ‘Devoted leaders to good works’ is mentioned twice in these closing verses so we know it was important; why? It seems to me that if a church has a reputation of teaching doctrine but not caring about people, it won’t attract many to trust in Jesus. He was never about doctrine but always about relationships. Paul knows that, He’s undoubtedly discussed it with some of the original apostles, and his desire is for believers to act like the Savior. That means we have developed a respected reputation in the community, like Jesus, and have influenced people by example. 

There are always unique people who join the church; people who have either insecurities, on one hand, or pride on the other. They can bring division, Paul warns, and need to be silenced. He cautioned that foolish discussions or arguments do not reflect Jesus well. That’s where you find differences in doctrine overriding our desire for relationship and caring for people: our prime target. That type of division needs to be confronted, warnings given, and then a simple suggestion of finding another church. Does that seem harsh? Never forget that Satan’s purpose is to keep Jesus from being preached, the good news that God loves and forgives, and he’ll use our own teachings to divide us. Church … be warned. People are more important than doctrine.

Paul mentioned several trusted co-laborers in his closing and, by the way, he’s spending the winter on the warm shores of Nicopolis: the name means Victory City! Titus is encouraged to take care of other leaders, seeing that they have everything they need for their mission, and send them on their way. Additionally, Titus is to help the churches learn to care for one another, give aid where needed, and have a track-record of good works.

People in our churches or in the community who are in need should have confidence that we care about them and will send help in some way. Paul calls that fruitfulness, Jesus called it ‘good fruit’ and when we focus on God’s justice, righting wrongs in this world, we’re a ‘good tree bearing good fruit’. I think church leadership can learn a lot from this book when they honestly evaluate their own hearts in comparison to Paul’s admonition. The main takeaway I have is that ‘leaders care’ and find ways to preach the gospel through action.