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Titus 1:7
7 For [gar] a bishop [episkopos] must [dei] be [einai] blameless [anegkletos], as [hos] the steward [oikonomos] of God [theos]; not [me] selfwilled [authades], not [me] soon angry [orgilos], not [me] given to wine [paroinos], no [me] striker [plektes], not [me] given to filthy lucre [aischrokerdes]; KJV-Interlinear
7 For the overseer must be above reproach as God's steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain, NASB
Each and every Christian is an ambassador to this world from heaven. We are in effect Gods representatives, and to whom many will look in deciding their attitude toward God, Christ, doctrine, and their own personal spiritual life.
Unfortunately there are a majority of Christians who fall far short in this life conduct. They come to God carrying a great deal of baggage from their former carnal life. Many look to doctrine only to force their own preconceived ideas and beliefs into the mix, so that they can keep what they already are comfortable with, and of which is convenient to their already chosen life style.
But here Paul instructs Titus to look for leaders who are above this. To select people who are not arrogant, people who have a degree of poise in their conduct, people who do not turn to vices when the going gets tough, people who are not argumentative or belligerent or argumentative, or confrontational or greedy when dealing with others.
Not only is this a good set of guidelines for what Titus was looking for, but it is a good description of what your life should be like, too.
Unfortunately too many people choose convenience over responsibility, or they choose confrontation in order to get or force their way, or they choose greed over compassion.
And therefore respect, empathy, and common manners get lost in the shuffle of life. They are replaced with disrespect, greed, selfish interests, prejudices or leaning on prejudices, opportunistic approaches that allow one to take advantage of others who have fallen on hard times.
The leader, the Christian, cannot take advantage of others, especially when the opportunity presents itself. The leader, the Christian, cannot approach life with his own personal advancement in view, at the expense of others. The leader, the Christian cannot abuse his power or authority. The leader, the Christian cannot misuse the resources that he is given custody over.
The leader, the Christian, whether he be male of she be female, must have phenomenal self restraint, and respect the position that he or she has been given by God. For any rebellion, abuse, misuse of your position is a direct insult to God who placed you there.
When you look at the presents under the Christmas tree do you judge them by their size or color? And so it is with people. The Christian should look at people as living souls, of which (the soul) you cannot see. Their color, their culture, anything about them other than the content of their soul, is irrelevant in life.
And since we have severe limitations in our ability to examine the soul, then we have no recourse than to treat people equally and fairly.
Each person is the creation and property of God, given life in order to have the opportunity of having a great eternal life. You have no right in contributing to the prevention of their destiny, just for your own personal gain or even out of pure spite.
