Author Archives: LJones

…upright (Titus 1:8d) Our culture feels a little uncomfortable in the presence of the word “upright.”  And I think I understand why.  “Upright” can be interpreted as arrogance.  In other words, people can put more trust in their own righteous … Continue reading →

…who is self-controlled (Titus 1:8c) If you are the leader, it is harder to find someone to control you. Let me put it another way.  When we are not the leader, we can be irresponsible and still contribute something to … Continue reading →

…one who loves what is good (Titus 1:8b)  Our culture has lost the beauty of wholesome.   Let me clarify where I am coming from, so you don’t think I am just boring.  Wholesome is not a synonym for “no fun.”  … Continue reading →

…rather he must be hospitable (Titus 1:8a) What is hospitality?  Most people associate it with inviting others into our homes.  But I know from experience the mere act of giving someone a place to eat or sleep doesn’t fully describe … Continue reading →

…not pursuing dishonest gain. (Titus 1:7e) I want to offer a disclaimer before I begin.  Sometimes we unwittingly reinforce unfair stereotypes in our effort to teach a truth.  Nowhere is this more so than with the subject of leadership.  My … Continue reading →

…not violent (Titus1:7d) Sometimes other translations of the Bible have a way of rounding out our understanding of a passage.  This is because translators must sometimes decide between a primary or secondary meaning of a word, depending on the context.  But … Continue reading →

…not given to drunkenness (Titus 1:7c) As they say in the country, “Now you’ve gone to meddling!  Alcohol has never been a part of my family or personal life.  Well, this may not exactly be true.  You see, my father’s … Continue reading →

…not quick-tempered (Titus 1:7b) And elder must be “not quick-tempered.”  Notice, Paul doesn’t say an elder should never get angry, but rather that he should not be quick to anger.  A “quick-tempered” person can go from “0-60” on the anger … Continue reading →

Since an overseer is entrusted with God’s work, he must be blameless–not overbearing (Titus 1:7) In an earlier devotion on Titus 1:5 we reminded ourselves of three New Testament words for “elder.”  This is the verse where Paul said he … Continue reading →

…a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. (Tit 1:6c) Once again, we come to a character profile point that has been the subject of much discussion.  As with the “husband of … Continue reading →