Elders

For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion. For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain, but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict. Titus 1:5-9

Elders should not:

• Accused of dissipation – excess in action and immoderate indulgence of bodily appetites, especially in passion or indulgence. useless or profitless activity
• Accused of rebellion – organized resistance or violence against government or established authority
• Self-willed – obstinate, stubborn, and insistent on their own way
• Quick-tempered – getting angry easily
• Addicted to wine – alcoholic or drunk
• Pugnacious – eager or quick to argue, quarrel or fight
• Fond of sordid gains – having a strong inclination towards or being excessively attached to dishonest or immoral wealth or gain

Elders should be:

• Above reproach- blameless, cannot be called into account, unreproveable, unaccused, blameless.
• Married to one wife – currently the standard in most countries
• Parenting children who believe
• Hospitable – welcoming to guests and strangers 
• Loving what is good – having his heart set on things that are good
• Sensible – having or using good judgment; reasonable 
• Just – behaving according to what is morally right
• Devout- totally committed
• Self-controlled – strong control over their emotions and actions, exhibiting restraint and discipline
• Hold fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching – remain tightly secure, continue to believe and adhere to the Word of God
• Able to exhort in sound doctrine – to encourage and urge others to live according to the teachings of the Bible, emphasizing the importance of healthy, accurate, and reliable teachings
• Able to exhort in sound doctrine – to encourage and urge others to live according to the teachings of the Bible, emphasizing the importance of healthy, accurate, and reliable teachings
• Able to refute those who contradict – prove a statement is wrong or false, disprove

This is a tall order, especially in light of the number of leaders falling due to sin from their platform. Integrity, honesty and transparency and to live led by Holy Spirit, it the only that that will allow someone to live this pure life. Being vulnerable and transparent with those above us is needed as people will fail and falter, especially in behaviors that are not always public.

It is interesting that elders’ children are also a focus of their appointment. The children can’t be squandering money, energy and resources. Is the idea they should teach their children a better way to live? There is only a certain amount of control parent has over a child, and even less likely an adolescent, Although possibly in other countries and in past times, the respect children had for their parents held more weight in the child’s actions.

These requirements are things that all believers should strive for. When we seek and elevated position, we need to get along with Holy Spirit and let Him search our heart and give us discernment. We want to humble ourselves before the law so that we don’t have to be humbled publicly like so many whose sin has stripped them of the platform.

Lord I am not an elder, but I want to live a life above reproach. I want my life to glorify and honor You. Help me to be transparent and not try to hide my failures. Help me to live my life in line with Your standards, no mans or my own justifications.