Devotion: How can you be an example in good works?

Titus 2: 1 (AMP)

But as for you, teach the things which are in agreement with sound doctrine [which produces men and women of good character whose lifestyle identifies them as true Christians].

John Maxwell says that everything rises and falls with leadership. One key aspect of raising a sound church is to have the right leader in place. Paul has been working with and mentoring Titus a young Pastor and here now he is giving him instructions on how to lead. In the previous chapter Paul had talked about the qualities of an elder in the church and how some are misleading the flock.

Paul exhorts Titus, but as for you teach the things which are in agreement with sound doctrine because it is only sound doctrine that produces men and women of good character whose lifestyles identify them as true Christians.

That statement sounds so simple but it is so loaded. Reminds me of what Jesus said that “You will know them by their fruits”

As a leader, if the doctrine you are preaching is not producing men and women of good character then there is something wrong with your doctrine. It is important to preach sound doctrine because it becomes the foundation upon which people build their lives and the fruit is seen in their character.

Paul also tells Titus;

Titus 2:7-8

7 And in all things show yourself to be an example of good works, with purity in doctrine [having the strictest regard for integrity and truth], dignified, 8 sound and beyond reproach in instruction, so that the opponent [of the faith] will be shamed, having nothing bad to say about us.

Not only is Titus to preach the right doctrine but he should also lead by example through his good works and the purity in his doctrine demonstrated by integrity and truth. In other words, he should not preach water and drink wine.

The fruit of the doctrine that he is preaching should first be seen and demonstrated in his life. His good works should be seen by all. The bible tells us to let out light shine before men that they may see our good works and give glory to our father in heaven.

As a leader Titus ought to lead by demonstration and example. All he does must be done within the confines of pure doctrine. This means that as a leader he ought to have a good grasp of what sound doctrine is because that is the guiding factor of all he does. We too are called to be leaders just like Titus and the same applies to us.

Reflections