This “Application” column goes with the Bible Lesson for Nov. 8, 2020: Appoint Godly Leaders (Titus 1:5-11)
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By David Faust
In an episode of the TV comedy The Office, regional manager Michael Scott makes his priorities clear. He tells his boss from the Dunder Mifflin corporate office, “I want the credit without any of the blame.”
Blameless appears twice in Paul’s description of godly elders (Titus 1:6-7). If being blameless requires moral perfection and flawless decision-making, no one qualifies except Jesus. Noah was “blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God,” yet he had some less-than-stellar moments (Genesis 6:9; 9:20-21). In part, “blameless” may refer to the way others inside and outside the church view the leaders. Are there any glaring flaws, character deficiencies, or doctrinal aberrations that disqualify them from leadership?
Aspiring toward blamelessness requires self-awareness. Are potential elders able to recognize their weaknesses? Do they accept responsibility and apologize readily when they make mistakes, or do they habitually shift blame onto others? Blameless leaders aren’t blamers. They’re honest about their limitations. They’re still on the road to spiritual maturity, and they don’t pretend they have arrived at perfection.
Lightning Rods
Organizations need leaders like buildings need lightning rods. When lightning hits, strategically placed pieces of metal or wire take the strike and divert electrical charges harmlessly into the ground. Likewise, it’s an unpleasant part of the job for leaders to serve as lightning rods, taking hits to protect their followers.
Ironically, elders are supposed to be blameless, but they get blamed for a lot—especially in a cultural environment where respect for leaders has slipped to a low ebb. If you don’t carry leadership responsibilities yourself, it’s easy to find fault. But can you imagine how it feels to be a lightning rod?
Elders need to be well-grounded in Scripture and prayer; they need to seek godly wisdom as they wrestle with complex issues. They must balance grace and truth, blend transparency with appropriate confidentiality, respect the past while embracing the future, and care for the hurting while challenging the complacent. If you think elders have an easy job, I guarantee you haven’t done it.
High Regard
Some spiritual leaders are false prophets, hypocrites, and frauds—wolves in sheep’s clothing. We should never follow them. But shepherds who are humble, hard-working, and faithful deserve honor, and they need encouragement. The Bible mentions practical ways to support them.
- “Acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13).
- “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you” (Hebrews 13:17).
If you want to do something countercultural, when you get up in the morning ask yourself, “Today, how can I bring joy to those who lead me?”
Paul wrote, “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure” (Philippians 2:14-15). Notice: “so that you may become blameless and pure.” God calls all of us—not just the elders—to grow in the direction of blamelessness. After all, setting a positive example ourselves is better than looking for someone else to blame.
PERSONAL CHALLENGE: Instead of blaming your leaders, how could you bless them? This week write notes of appreciation and encouragement to two or three faithful Christian leaders you know.
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