Parenting is not an easy task. It involves incredible commitment, unyielding problem-solving, and loads of diapers. Parenting exposes so many of your own flaws as you begin to see the quality level of your own leadership skills. Sometimes, it is helpful to learn from older, wiser parents who have navigated the deep waters of such struggles. There is much to be said about the similarities of parenting and church leadership. After all, Paul used this analogy in 1 Timothy…
For if a man does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of the church of God?
1 Timothy 3:5 GNB
The believers at Crete were struggling and needed leadership. Paul called on Titus.
Many in the church today believe they are “called” to a particular ministry or leadership position. The question is, are they qualified? It goes without saying that spiritual leaders shouldn’t be chosen at random. But they also shouldn’t be chosen by church attendance, reputation, popularity, or charisma. Paul didn’t write, “Find the most influential or most talented guy.” Titus 1 sets forth the qualifications for elders. Paul also calls for a stern rebuking of false teachers. His desire is for them to be unmasked and exposed by the sound teaching of Titus and his team.
I find it very interesting that Paul does not sugarcoat Titus’ issues in Crete. He tells him plainly what he will be facing.
One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” 13 This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth.
Titus 1:12-14 ESV
There will be many confrontations. The discussions may get heated. Titus may have to flip and whip some tables like Jesus. But Paul instructs that the rebukes must come hot and heavy with loads of brute force. Why? Paul writes, “…that they may be sound in the faith.” For Paul, this was a battle for their souls. The false teachers had sprung up, and it was up to Titus and his team to respond.
“Such men were to be resisted to the uttermost and sharply rebuked. Where the work of grace is really commenced in the heart, a sharp rebuke will often turn the soul back to God. The gardener must not hesitate to use a pruning-knife, if the well-being of the tree is at stake.”
F.B. Meyer
Paul was an incredible leader who produced more incredible leaders. Titus was about to get down and dirty in the lives of these difficult people. That fact alone paints a healthy picture of what church leadership can feel like sometimes. He was primed and ready to use the pruning knife.