Paul writes to Titus who he has left on the island of Crete to help organise the church there with teaching and the appointing of elders (v5).

Paul highlights the important qualities which elders must have. They must be ‘above reproach’(v6) which means not that they are perfect but that as they live they have such integrity people cannot point the finger at them.

This is particularly true for the elder in his family life in how he behaves as a husband and a father (v6). If he is going to be a good leader in the church then he must be a good leader at home. One of the greatest challenges for all believers is how we conduct ourselves at home. Pray about your home life in how you relate to those around you. Pray for all believers in your church and especially elders in how they act as spouses and parents.

The call for elders (overseers) to be above reproach continues as Paul reminds how he is God’s steward (v7). He is acting on behalf of God and therefore it would be so wrong for him to be arrogant, quick-tempered, a drunkard, violent or greedy. Pray about which of these sins you struggle with. Maybe your addiction is not to alcohol but something else.