“If anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or subordination.” – Titus 1:6

Scripture reading: 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:1-9

We are not naturally bent to submit to authority. We are naturally inclined to be suspicious of authority, to mistrust, to question leadership and authority, and to rebel against it—either with a hard heart, or with an arrogant attitude.  We think we should be the authority because we would do it better. Increasingly in the service industry, customers are becoming more demanding. It seems more church members are taking that same consumer attitude toward the church.

We expect elders to be perfect. “Above reproach” does not mean perfect; if it did, every man in every church would be disqualified. “Above reproach” means “without blame” or “unaccused”; elders must be of “unquestioned integrity,” or “unimpeachable.” If you consider the doctrine and life of an elder, it should be clear that he has left no loophole open for heinous sin.

Elders must be “above reproach” in three particular areas of life: marriage and family, personal character and conduct, and in doctrine.

The first set of characteristics do not require an elder to be married; rather, if he is married, he must only have one wife. This would rule out anyone who has multiple wives, or anyone who is unlawfully divorced and remarried. If he has children, it should be clear that they are being nurtured in the Christian faith at home—they should be believers and not rebels or prodigals. 1 Tim. 3.5: “for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?”

Suggestions for prayer

Pray for the elders in your church. Pray that the Lord will raise up men with the biblical character of elders. Pray that the Lord will use the elders to shepherd and protect the flock.

Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.