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Real faith is a desire of all believers. None of us intentionally strives to be phony. We aren’t in the business of living a sham and hoping that no one will ever discover our facade.
No matter what the rhetoric or legal conclusion of a person’s courtroom defense, purity is validated the same today as it always has been. Purity doesn’t need a defense. By its nature purity is self-evident.
Paul tells pastor Titus that purity begins inside. When a person is pure internally, then, they never have to worry about external corruption. Neither the circumstances nor temptations of corruption threaten those whose life is pure inside.
On the other hand, those who are corrupted on the inside hide their true identity any way that they can. The self-righteous choose methods that are detestable. They are judgmental and arrogant.
Often they listen to their own words, hear themselves argue and assume that they hear the truth. Their belief is based on assumption not what is real. Arbitrary selection is the foundation of their belief. Purity is impossible for these because they are corrupt internally.
Careless talking is a symptom of those whose purity is false. They are rebellious. Their actions do not match the instructions of Scripture. Instead, they set their own rules, justify their claims, and influence the values of others to match their biases.
A life the is plagued with self-righteousness is driven by a conscience that is corrupted. Their thinking is irrational, self-justifying and not validating. This analysis of those who live an insincere faith is factual.
Lives of those who live lives of self-righteous impurity are not outside of the Christian faith. Unfortunately, they infiltrate it and hurt others with their judgmental biases. They are blinded by their own desires. Truth is not found in their testimony.
Instead, they are self-deceived. They think that they are right but they are not. In their estimate they have the truth, but by objective analysis they do not. They even claim to have a personal relationship with God. But, they do not. In fact because they are self-deceived they in fact do not know God.
What they do with their falsehood and hurt that they impose on others proves that they are not of God. They are in fact acting contrary to God. There is nothing righteous about what they do. Nothing good comes from them.
titus 1.15-16
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Our church staff from Sunset Church is on retreat. The nine of us are setting aside two days to bond with each other. We are very different from each other yet the same.
Our backgrounds vary, our education covers the gamut, personal interests do not match identically for any. I have volunteered to help bring understanding to these differences. But, even more, I hope to bring solidarity to our differences by cementing what we share in common as the greater possession.
No, we will not do a bait and switch. We won’t highlight individuality only to dismiss it. Rather we will treasure of differences as a divinely imprinted intent. These variations we will all attempt to embrace and see it as an extension of our team accomplishing much more together than any one of us could do on our own.
The setting for our strategic steps to grow together is near Monterey Bay. Nestled in the shadow of tall pine trees, wind-swept junipers and sand dunes, we bask in the warmth of the cascading sunshine. One deer sheepishly slid between the trees and cautiously watched our arrival. A cawing crow announced our presence to all of the wildlife within earshot.
Comfortably settled into our rooms we met for a round of rousing worship. Those songs, tunes, lyrics gave each of us pause as our hearts found voice in the poetry of words describing what is eternal.
Selected team members shared testimonies of what God is doing in their lives. They were moments revealing the heart of our colleagues. One shared devotional thoughts from the Word.
Then, we launched into a goofy game that spurred all to talk, persuade others and to convince themselves. The game was a ploy. Its real intent reveals how we treat each other in a group, who dominates and surfaced thoughts of deferring to others for a greater value of working together.
One game and one interaction won’t alter individuals used to forging ahead nor draw out those who are quick to acquiesce. But, it gives everyone a moment to ask themselves important questions. Do I value others? Have I run over people in the past just to get my way? Have I deferred to quickly and not valued my contribution?
Team is born out of coming together. We will take brave steps to do just that during this retreat. Many as one is always better than one who is alone.
photo credit: brucefong photography
English disappeared a long time ago. It seems that when the doors of the jet plane opened in San Francisco, I boarded with hundreds of people who spoke a language other than English. I felt alone.
12 flying hours later I was in Taipei. There, English was definitely a foreign language. Signs at the concession stand were a weird sort of comfort. I recognized the soft drink logo and it was still in English.
At least in Taipei it was a modern and developed environment like I’m used to. Everything was clean, signs were fresh and the airport sparkled.
On our approach to Cambodia’s capital city airport, the shanty villages engulfed the landscape. The rivers that served as highways for boats, fishermen, merchants and sewers dominated the earth below. The people of this city have great needs.
Once my driver picked me up, we headed out into the streets of the city. My Western mind is strained to take in all the ways that humanity exists. Instead of cars, there are thousands and thousands of motor scooters. Smallish bikes with 124cc to perhaps 175cc motors propelled their riders down the clogged streets.
While it may appear like mass hysteria on the roads, there is a system that everyone seems to follow. Honking is not so much an expression of anger or frustration as it is a notice to let someone else know that you are close by.
I gasped several times when scooters nearly scraped the car we were in or dodged a side view mirror or even crowded through an intersection even though their light had long since turned red.
But, it is high density housing that grips my heart every time I visit a developing country. Crowded buildings serve as homes to countless people. There isn’t just one of these structures but 100’s of 1,000’s.
Real humans live in them. God knows each one. In the squalor of the big city where everyone is crowding others, people abuse people and dangers inflict hurt to protect worldly wealth, this is city living at its most challenging times.
Yet, out of one of these unimpressive buildings, steps a well-groomed young lady. She pushes her scooter on to the road way and she is off to work with the masses. Into her city I have come to visit and to teach pastors to shepherd God’s flock that is entrusted to them.
photo credit: brucefong photography
It was September 8 a few days ago. My calendar has a reminder on that day. It is a note that is a reoccurring notation. Years ago that was the day that a very special puppy was born.
Dusty was born in a litter of Lhasa Apsos. His home was Portland, Oregon. The breeder put an ad in the paper.
Each puppy came with papers registered with the American Kennel Association. When I showed Yvonne the ad, I assured her that I would just look not buy the puppy. Furthermore, I also had a ceiling on the offer that I would make. As a steward of my finances, I was at peace before God to make a purchase only if it was a bargain price.
That afternoon I showed up at the breeder’s home. She was an elderly lady with a reluctant smile. Immediately, she knew that we were there to see the puppies. I wondered why she seemed a bit distracted, even sad. Her first comments told me all that I needed to know.
Dog-nappers had invaded her kennel under the cover of night. They lured the new puppies into their waiting van. Only the parents and one puppy escaped.
Just as she finished her story, her two breeding Lhasas and their one lone puppy came streaking around the house to greet the visitors. The vision of Dusty tearing around the corner with his glistening eyes, eager temperament, lapping tongue and moistened brown nose are forever impressed on my mind. This furball of joy was a testimony of God’s wonderful creation.
He jumped up on my leg, begged for attention. But, I enjoyed that interest for only a second. He poured out his happiness on two of my children. They drank in the puppy love for all it was worth.
The three of us loved back on that little guy. He had an instant connection with us and we with him. His enthusiasm was infectious. It was delightful. He was warm, furry and wonderfully animated.
With intent the breeder told me how grief-stricken she was at the theft of her puppies. She wanted to make sure that her last puppy made it to a good home. That’s when she told me that she liked us and could have the last surviving puppy for half price. She drove a hard bargain for the little life that would bring great memories to our family for years to come. I miss the little guy!
photo credit: brucefong photography
I meet with eight amazing people. Each one is unique. All are special. You can see it in their eyes, hear it in their voice, and sense it in their spirit.
Individually, they are very talented. As the world sees them they are the success stories that their trade or specialization would be featured in a magazine, awarded with performance medallions, or given a special trip to an exotic destination. Others seek them out for their advice, counsel and encouragement.
For me it is a privilege to call them friends. It is also my delight to call them generous servants. Of course I call them collectively, my boss. They are the board of elders.
Most of our elders have a resume that would rival a who’s who list on California’s most successful. We have engineers, scientists, attorneys, operation managers, IT brainiacs and everything in between. But most importantly they share a common faith in Jesus Christ and a deep devotion to the ministry of Sunset Church.
One of the challenges of working with a board are personalities. These individuals have common experience in life. Where they work and make their living they speak their mind and are used to getting their way.
Take these leaders and put them in a room to give oversight to the ministry that I serve and there is always the potential for some friction. Yet, there is so little. How, does the potential for fireworks dissipate?
Prayer is a major component in getting ready for such a meeting as this. Preparation is also key. Each Elder receives and e-copy of the Board packet. Our Board Chair is excellent at passing on the right information. He supports the agenda with the data, charts, and history so that the men can come well prepared for discussion and decisions.
Then, there is the selectivity process. Recruiting quality Elders is essential if the desired result is unity. Devoted men with a strong “buy-in” by each elder reflect the personality of this gathering.
Ultimately, the truth of God’s Word unites us. We study the Scriptures together. Our discussion is very fruitful. The inisghts of these Godly men encourages me.
Then, we pray over what God shows us. Humbly we trust God to seal truth in our hearts, adjust our values as a result and then we lead the church together with our single heart and passion. It is an honor to pastor these men and a joy to serve as colaborers together.
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Good people have a difficult time understanding bad people. Most of us live our lives minding our own business, respecting the lives of others and living out the values that give us deep satisfaction in life. When someone intrudes into our lives with intentional evil it is mystifying.
Such trouble-makers actually infiltrate the church. Intentionally, they disrupt the church and the lives of good people. Their detestable efforts are disruptive and bring ruin in the lives of families.
Paul describes these false teachers as rebellious. They do not observe rules of common decency. Instead of following Biblical patterns and standards they make up their own guidelines, justify their intrusions and do a lot of talking to justify their wickedness.
Remember that a lot of talking for personal justification is common among these false teachers. The “gift of gab” is not always a gift from above. Words are powerful and persuade both for good and for not.
Deception marks bad people. They use methods and ploys to bolster their case. Bait and switch is common. They intentional fool people who give them an ear. Once they have someone sold they have no scruples regarding the truth only achieving their selfish objectives.
Do not be merciful to these wicked people. Very clearly and simply they need to be stopped. The tactic needed can only be to silence them. Inherent in this decisive approach is the danger that these evil people pose. They cannot be tolerated or ignored. Any time that they are given will result in harm to people and disunity in the body of Christ.
We always wonder “why” they behave this way. They are self-centered. Blinded by their own interests, they are driven by dishonest gain. That is some times a matter of money. But, it can mean any selfish reward, even personal pride.
A common stereotype in Paul’s day was that Cretan’s were totally dishonest people. This is not an ethnic insult. Rather, Paul is saying that the common adage does in fact describe false teachers.
Similarly, Paul instructs pastor Titus and those righteous leaders who serve with him. Their swift, exclusive response and only alternative in dealing with troublemakers is to rebuke them. Not only is the proper response to be one of rebuke, it is to be a sharp rebuke. This will not only protect the church but also rescue some of the false teachers back to the truth.
titus 1.10-14
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If I think too hard about the last 12 hours, I get dizzy. That’s just the flight time. In addition I worked with Yvonne for hours to make sure that my clothes for this trip were washed, folded and packed into a single bag.
I’m on a teaching trip to Cambodia. The Cambodians are a wonderful people where friendliness and warmth are culturally a part of their daily expression. However, the deep hurt from the past halocaust perpetuated by the Pol Pot regime has left deep scars that will never go away.
In a few days I will have the honor of pouring a concentrated effort into the lives of pastors. Together we will study 1 Timothy and Colossians. We will see what God has to say to those who shepherd His flock. Some truths will implicate their personal walk. Some will affect their ministry to those who are desperately seeking the Lord in their own lives.
But, all of that is yet future. Right now I’m enroute. After a long flight over the Pacific Ocean, I am now making connections in Taipei, Taiwan. I flew over on Evergreen Air, a Taiwanese air carrier. I enjoyed it.
Long plane flights are never fun. But, some things make them managable. First, the EVA attendants were amazingly cheerful. They smile a lot. Their courtesy over the smallest of details is so welcomed. Second, the food was good. No, it wouldn’t ever receive a high Yelp review, but for airplane food it was just the right porportion, hot and refreshing. Third, on this flight while sitting in a three chair row, the middle seat was empty. That means a lot of elbow room for the lengthy ordeal.
I caught a few z’s, enjoyed a movie or two, listened Scripture on my i-pod for my daily devotions and rehearsed the schedule for the next several days. There won’t be much time to prepared once I land in Phnom Penh. I will have to trust God for the words to express all that I have prepared in advance. By His grace it will help the pastors that I teach.
If this teaching venture is anything like past missions efforts, the recipients will be soaking up the Word like a parched desert receives a rare rainfall. We who teach will always be blessed to feed such hunger. That kind of appetite makes every teacher marvel at the privilege of teaching.
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Stuart is a seasoned traveler. His instincts helped since my head was in a cloud. It has been a long day and a very long week.
Tonight I am in the San Francisco International Airport. I am waiting for my flight to Taipei. From there I hop on a connecting flight to Phnom Penh.
My flight is scheduled for 1:40AM. Yes, you read that correctly. It is an early morning flight, a very early morning flight.
Stuart came by to collect me at 10:30PM. It was a perfect time. International flights always seem to take a lot longer to check in, check luggage, go through security, walk a mile or two to your gate and finally sit down and wait for the boarding call.
When I was standing the very long check-in line, I laughed with God. Then, on a whim I asked if He would be so kind as to expedite my process, then I would be very grateful. Lo and behold, the elite check-in was empty and the agent came over looking for a single traveller. That’d be me!
I tried not to laugh on the way to his desk. God certainly was chuckling away. Another answered prayer for my personal comfort was no sweat for Him!
Security was a breeze. For some reason there was a lull in the crowds. But, I looked at my watch. It was 11.20PM. Normally, I would already be in bed. But, here I was in the international terminal with thousands of other would-be world travellers.
I sat down in the waiting area wondering how I would stay awake. It would be very embarrassing to fall asleep in the waiting area only to be roused up by flight attendants trying to close the airline doors. But, a pair of the cutest kids answered my dilemma.
Their squealing was piercing to the ear. The shrill screams had the same effect of biting into a super sour lemon. Yeow! I did get up and move.
Now, our waiting is area is filling up quickly. The flight crews is sitting a couple of rows away. They are the most alert looking humans in our area. perhaps they might be second to the screeching kids.
Businessmen are cutting deals, students are working their laptops, several are sleeping but they have companions who will wake them. All the shops are closed. Eateries have closed up too. The terminal is ready to sleep and I am too.
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The sun was starting to set. When I looked up into the sky, the daytime glow was disappearing. Then, when I looked over the surface of the lake, shadows from the surrounding trees gave the lake a lustrous deep green colorization. It was perfect for fishing.
Carefully, I studied the water for any movement. I was really looking for any fish that would be rising for their evening meal. Disturbances could be a small puddling of concentric circles forming on the water or it could be a massive splash as a lunker shot up from the depths to capture a floating meal.
I didn’t have to wait long to see both. Puddling was happening all over the lake. Fish were picking off bugs that were sitting on the surface of the water, enjoying the benefit of their light weight and God’s design of surface tension. The monsters of the deep didn’t care about physics. They were just plain hungry and were sucking in the endless supply of insects.
My friends had a small boat that was geared for fishing, but, I just wanted to keep it simple. I would stay close to the house, pull on my waders and enjoy any action within a cast from the dock.
The sun was flirting with the horizon in the West. Clear skies were threatening to disappear with the fading twilight. Now, I suspected that the fish would be vulnerable to the sound of food as well as the sight of food.
Inside my tackle box I fished out a Jitterbug. I had never caught a fish on one of these plugs but I had heard read articles confirming their effectiveness. Once it was attached I dropped it in the water and pulled it back and forth along the dock to get use to the action and what I could do in the retrieve to alter that action.
Then, I picked a likely spot. I cast to the area that I like countless fishermen before me have felt. It seemed like a good spot. I began the retrieve.
Then, the water erupted like an explosion. My rod bent, the line went taut. I heaved back on the rod to set the hook but the resistance disappeared. The water went calm. DId I miss it? What kind of behemoth would stir up such an eruption? I wouldn’t have to wait long to find out.
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Elders in the church must have several distinctive qualities. These are not on a multiple choice list where some qualities can appear while others do not. There are “must-haves” and non-negotiables that are involved in these very special lives.
Paul speaks to Titus and uses this kind of requirement language. Some qualifications cannot be overlooked. Thus, the apostle says, “He must hold firmly”.
This language should not be interpreted as a legalistic prerequisite but rather reflect the importance of the task at hand. A man who serves as an elder must be a man of conviction, a man of principle. He embraces specific truths from which he will never stray or compromise.
An objectivity exists with this description. The Word of God, the Scriptures, the Bible, was given to the church and taught carefully with respect. An integrity of the message and the teaching were a match at its inception and should be continued. What God gave as truth is by character truth and therefore trustworthy.
Also, inherent in this qualification of an elder is the discernment to recognize how unique and special the Bible is. The regard for the inspired and inerrant Word motivates a man to carefully handle the Scriptures and to teach it faithfully as it had been taught to him. Certainly, the testimony of past faithful teachers validates the elder’s qualifications to pass on what has been transferred to him.
Sound doctrine is the advanced materials that an elder must teach. It is much more than a data transfer. Instead, it is also practical. Doctrinal truth when used by an elder brings encouragement to those in the flock.
Encouragement is the pressing in of courage to those who are facing fearful circumstances. Teaching living truth from God’s Word does give people courage. What is implanted in them by divine action is enhanced with the ministry of encouragement from spiritual men.
Furthermore, when an elder holds to convictions based upon the truth, he too is courageous when protecting the flock from the dangers that come from those who oppose the truth. False teachers sound almost paranoid in our day. Tolerance is the popular term thrown out by leaders who are strangers to conviction, principle and truth.
Elders know when to stand for truth. They know what they personally hold to with devotion. The Spirit of God gives them discernment to protect, guide, challenge and stand against what is wrong.
Titus 1.9
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