Titus 1:6

"An elder must live a blameless life." (New Living Translation)

Reflection by Kenneth L. Samuel

Technology today seems to have everyone under constant surveillance.  Cell phones pinpoint our daily movements and exact locations, satellites offer the public real time footage of our private residences, credit ratings are anything but confidential, and camouflaged microphones seem to be poised everywhere to pick up just about every "off the record" comment.  The diminishment of privacy has brought with it a real apprehension, and in many cases a real aversion, to public office.  The vetting process, for many, has become much too personally intrusive.

But long before modern technology put our personal conduct on blast, the Apostle Paul was insisting that a certain standard of personal moral behavior be required of everyone appointed to serve as elder/bishop/pastor of the church.  If technology has each of us living under a microscope today, living on the small island of Crete in the first century accomplished pretty much the same thing.  Paul wanted to be sure that the personal conduct of church leaders in no way obfuscated the gospel of Christ.  Paul insisted that the power of the gospel be reflected in the personal morals of the gospel evangelists.

The challenge here is for all who would lead others.  We must believe what we proclaim to the extent that we are willing to apply it to our own personal lives.  This is nothing less than a standard of personal integrity.

Is it too much to ask?  Should church officials and elected officials have any responsibility to model for their members and constituents any standard of personal ethical behavior?  If he's married, should he be expected to be faithful to one spouse?  If she has small children, should she be responsible for their moral instruction and behavior?  If he is to lead others, should he be required to have his ego in check and his temper under control?  If she is our leader, should we require that she not be a lush, or prone to violence, or dishonest with money?

Do we have the right to require our leaders to love hospitality and to promote what is good in private as well as in public?  Should we expect them to live decent, devout, disciplined lives?  And should our leaders actually believe and follow what they teach others?  Regarding these things, Paul said that church leaders must be blameless.

When I was in the eighth grade, I was nominated and ran for president of the student council.  I wanted the position, but I wasn't ready to give up joking and laughing with my friends in the back of my English class.  One day after class, my English teacher pulled me aside.  "You can't lead from the back," she said.  "Don't disqualify yourself before the votes are taken."

Prayer

Dear God, we know that leadership is a divine call, but help us to remember that it is also a social responsibility.  Make us accountable messengers so that we will not detract from the goodness of your message.  Amen.

About the Author Kenneth L. Samuel is Pastor of Victory for the World Church, Stone Mountain, Georgia.