5 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— 6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. 7 For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. (Titus 1)
Titus is not as well known as Timothy, yet we find he played vital roles as an assistant to Paul in spreading the Gospel. He was critical in helping Paul restore his relationship with the Corinthian church, and he was sent to Crete to build up and stablize that church body. It appears it was not going to be an easy task. Cretans were not known for their great character, and it sounds like Titus would be "picking up the pieces" of what was last after some disaster. Welcome to real church. The fact is God calls us all to do some part, our individual parts, in the task of building up the Body of Christ, and building is... work, labor, hard, and it takes time. But the work really needs to be done and you, yes you, have some part in it. Be thankful. Be visionary. Be loving. Do your part out of love for Christ.
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