Day 68: Titus 1:7b

“He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain,”



A while back we looked at the first part of this verse. Remember what this is; this is Paul telling Titus what makes a good elder, a leader in the church. If we were smart, and I’m hoping you are, then we would do well to look at this verse and measure ourselves by it.


Without trying to sound like a broken record, this whole verse is about a leader’s character. If you wanted to boil it down, we would probably hearken back to Luke 10 and say: “love your neighbor as yourself.”


Character is the backbone of a leader. It is the first part of a two part definition of leadership. Your leadership is dependent on your influence, and your influence is dependent on your character.


Notice the things that Paul lists here. Each of these bad character examples hurt other people to make life easier for you. Arrogance and quick-temperedness keep your feelings from getting hurt without understanding the point of view of others. You can’t think straight or minister when you’re haughty or angry.


Being a drunk may make your day easier to handle, but you tend not to do anything other than drink. No ministry gets done, and the people suffer.


Violence hurts other people for your own pleasure. A minister cannot be violent. It just doesn’t work.


Finally, a leader cannot be greedy for gain. Gain becomes your god, and you quickly concentrate on gain, rather than your Lord and Savior. Your relationships with people become a vehicle for your own gain, rather than you giving yourself away for them. Greed is the antithesis of Christ’s love.


Character matters. More than you know, it can sink you or sustain you. Paul warns us that a person with bad character cannot be allowed to lead in the church.


How is your character? Do you fit the mold that Paul sets forth in Titus as a leader? Character takes a lifetime to develop, but it is easily set back. Don’t get caught on the wrong side of Paul’s list.


Christian Leadership Principle: Godly Character is essential to leadership. Character turns into influence, which you have to have to lead.


Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Proverbs 4:10-19


Prayer: Father, guide my character. Mold me into a greater likeness of Your Son. Guard my ways, Lord, and help me to develop my character to better serve You. In Christ’s name I pray, amen.