These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.
Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

Paul gives some leader instructions here, and some church body instructions. For leaders, the main message here is: “Don’t hold back.” Teach, encourage, and rebuke with all authority! Do not allow church members to speak poorly of you, despise you, or not show you the proper respect.

So the question that arises is, why should Titus lead this way? He is an ambassador of Jesus Christ himself, and a pastor in leadership of his flock. He should not cower in fear but stand in confidence, when he stands on the Word of God and the leadership principles modeled by Jesus Christ. Too many churches, and Christians in general, shrink back in fear when confronted with evil or sin. They either play along or do nothing, when God calls them to be bold and confident in their stand for the truth.

Instructions for the church at large are also given: First, he says to be subject to rulers and authorities. Think of an ambassador. Many times, they have a pass on having to obey the in-country rules. But they are typically expected to represent their foreign nation ruler well and live above the fray. So, this is not a “have to” but a “get to”, with the exception being if it goes directly against the Bible’s truth (i.e. worshipping another God, stealing, cheating on your spouse, etc.).

Second, he says to be obedient and ready to act in doing good. Obedience is active, so is faith in Jesus. We do not need a “word from God” to tell us how to live. The Bible does that. We just have to trust and obey it.

Finally, we must slander no one. Instead, we are to be peaceful and considerate, showing gentleness. This is a mindset of seeing others as “in process”, God as in charge, and humbly seeing ourselves as his servants on-mission.

There is a lot to live up to as a follower of Jesus. Good thing I have the help of his Spirit in my heart!

Lord, thank you for this passage that gives practical advice to church leaders and followers of Jesus in general. Help me to continuously focus on improving in these areas!