Titus 1:5-9
“I am not a leader!”
I hear this from young adults all the time. They often come to this conclusion because they don’t carry a title like pastor, boss, or captain. That doesn’t mean they’re not leading in their lives. Leadership is not a position; it’s a posture.
Everyone reading this is a leader. Titus leads thousands in his ministry, so Paul spends much of his writing giving leadership advice. You may not be starting a church in ancient Europe, but you are certainly leading somewhere in your life. Whether it’s setting an example on a team, speaking to your social media following, encouraging people in a friend group, doing chores in your household, or even just building your own future, leadership is at the core of the Christian lifestyle.
In Titus 1, Paul lays out the job qualifications for church leadership. You would think he’d list out buzz-phrases like excellent preaching skills, current on social trends, bi- lingual, or an excellent administrator. But Paul’s qualifications aren’t competencies. They’re characteristics. Paul urges Titus to look for people who are faithful, pure, slow to anger, self-controlled, and good family figures (Titus 1:5-9).
Every Christian has a responsibility to lead well. Here is an excellent resource to help you grow as a better leader.
Strive to live like Jesus intended. Be faithful to your friends and family. Believe the best in people. Practice patience. Lead with loyalty. Build out a resume of reputation.
You might have a dream job. I would assume it’s a leadership role as we are wired to desire influence. Maybe you optimistically dream of being a manager, influencer, director, designer, boss, or coordinator. As you think of the resume for that role, I’m sure you think of all the skills you need. Take it one step further. Build your character, and competency will follow. Be faithful today in the little places of leadership, and God will soon position you in the big places.
In everything you do, lead with love (1:8).