More of Titus’ church-building calling comes into focus – appointing elders. This critical role within the church is for teaching and modeling Christlikeness to others, which is why Paul states several important criteria for selecting these people.
“…appoint elders in every town as I directed you – 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 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.” (v5-9 abr)
The church I attend does not take elder selection lightly – there are several stages from nomination to election that involve multiple people and the Holy Spirit (He provides discernment and guidance). When an elder is chosen, it’s not only them who is selected, but their entire family – an elder cannot fulfill this calling without the support of those closest to them, especially their spouse.
I believe all Christ followers can learn to exhibit the God-honoring attributes in this list, regardless of whether or not they are called to be an elder. These characteristics are an extension of the fruit of the Spirit (see Gal 5:22-23). When we declare Jesus Christ is Lord of our lives, accepting His death and resurrection as payment for our sin, we receive the Holy Spirit. Since the fruit of the Spirit is accessible to all Christ followers (it is not exclusive to the role of elder), ideally we would all seek to meet ‘elder criteria’.
If we’re struggling to exhibit any of these Christlike characteristics (eg. self-controlled or well-tempered) then I would suggest we deepen our relationship with God and the Holy Spirit, while studying Jesus in the gospels. The more we soak in the heart of God/Jesus for our neighbors, the easier it will be to love others in alignment with the Spirit’s guidance (exhibit the fruit of the Spirit for their benefit).
Father God, our Glorious and Magnificent Lord, holy, holy, holy is Your name. May all heaven and earth praise You for the abundant gifts of Your Son and Spirit. You have given us all that we need to honor You, and love our neighbors, so we ask that You would help us live that out. May Your Spirit grow fruit within us that show our love for others, and exhibits elder-like characteristics, regardless of our callings. In the name of Jesus who modelled this way of living, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training