Does truth need a guardian or an ambassador? If the well-known saying is to be believed, the truth ‘will out’ no matter what! But what we see in the world around us gives us little hope that this will really happen. 

For Paul, an essential part of the growing church must be leaders who know, understand, teach and live ‘sound doctrine’ – the truth (v 9). And to this end, the role of an overseer is paramount: encourage the truth and refute that which is not. Those with leadership responsibility will have to find many and varied ways of doing both. Consider for a moment which aspect of the given two you would find challenging. 

Though daunting, the list of behaviours given here is the hallmark of a person who has experienced (and continues to experience) the transformational work of the Holy Spirit in their life, encompassing the whole of life: family relationships, habits, personality (vs 4–9). This is a transformation that requires our collaboration: discipline, resilience and stamina. The elder must be someone who understands and exhibits these qualities in the face of the fight between falsehood and truth – a fight that still rages on today (v 9).   

Heavenly Father, help me to hear from you through this devotional time. Open my ears and my heart to be receptive to your voice.

Everything that Paul is wanting to establish in his letter to Titus is wrapped up in one main purpose, that people may know the hope of eternal life (v 2). This is the big picture that drives Paul to minister, write, face persecutions and encourage others to do the same. The promise of eternal life, we are told, was given by God before time began. Jesus is described by John as the lamb ‘slain from the creation of the world’.¹ Our salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus was not a last-minute addendum to God’s creative endeavours. 

It can be quite hard to comprehend the depths of God’s love, but knowing that Jesus was destined for the cross before sin was even committed leaves me somewhat staggered that God would go ahead with creation at all. What this indicates is God’s overwhelming commitment to us, a commitment founded upon love and revealed through grace and mercy. It is these characteristics that inspire Paul both to write and to live. The hope of eternal life can transform our lives today. We are not just looking forward to something when we die, but the hope for the future changes the lives we live in the present. For instance, both Paul and Titus have prioritised their lives around the gospel because of the hope of eternal life. The example of a life prioritised is foundational to the choice of new leaders for the churches in Crete.

When we bear in mind the cost of creation and redemption to God, we can start to grasp the mindset of Paul, who seems prepared to pay whatever it costs so that the good news of Jesus may be heard.² In the grand scheme of things, the issue of eternal life is of the highest concern. 

Are there things in your life that should be shifted to help you focus on God’s priorities? Pray for help to count the cost and serve with your whole life.

¹ Rev 13:8  ² Luke 14:28