Overseers

For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not to 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. Titus 1:7-9

Here in Titus 1 we find the qualifications for an Elder/Bishop/Overseer and I believe it is safe to say that most men look at this passage as a set of guidelines for a church leader only and that this list is not attainable. If you think that way you are correct on the second point but mistaken on the first. Ask any leader who is truly humble and has a grace centered view of their heart and they will tell you that they fall short in these traits. How many of us are self controlled when a child talks back, or everyday is disciplined enough to spend ample time in prayer and study? None of us are. Not to perfection at least. Some may be more self controlled or hospitable and struggle in another area like discipline. The bottom line is these characteristics are to be generally true of an overseer. Where a person can’t point a finger and say, “your name here has a serious anger problem and is not in control of his emotions.”

My concern is that men in their passivity look at this list and shrug it off as a passage by which to judge a church leader only. We see later in chapter 2 the admonishment to “Older men” to have these similar characteristics and they are commanded to “urge” the younger men in the faith to foster these Godly traits in their life. Men, we are overseers of our family. We are not to be passive towards this list. Stop looking at these qualifications as if they don’t apply to you and embrace them as traits to grow in your own life. Reject the excuses that pop into your head that keep you from pursuing these marks of a leader.