Paul to Titus: Find Good, Capable Leaders

I may have found one of my favorite books in the Bible. It only has three chapters, and the first one was so simple, yet so profound. Paul is writing a letter to Titus, his "child in the common faith." As his mentor, he gives some pointers on how to appoint capable leaders.

They should be blameless, a husband to one wife, with faithful children who are not accused of wildness or rebellion. As God's manager, he must be blameless and not arrogant--not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not a bully, and not greedy for money.

But, this leader should be hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, righteous, holy, self-controlled, capable of encouraging others with sound teachings and able to refute those who contradict it.

Paul continues, "For, there are many rebellious people, idle talkers, deceivers... They overthrow whole households by teaching for dishonest gain what they should not" (Titus 1:10-11).

"To the pure, everything is pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; in fact, their mind and conscience are defiled. They profess to know God but they deny Him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, and disqualified for any good work" (Titus 1:15-16).