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Titus 1
Much has been said about judging people. Most of it is used in a way that does not allow a person to think or say anything negative about another person. This all sounds great and wonderful, however how are we to sort out the holy from the evil and visa versa.

Paul in his writings had no such restraint on himself. He looked around, saw and readily revealed those who were using the gospel of the Kingdom to further their own selfish goals. Jesus too was not the least bit hesitant to reveal those who were pretenders.

My question is; "Why should we be so silent when we see those, especially in leadership, who continue to usurp power to advance their own agenda?

This letter to Titus has some specific qualities for leaders, most of which are just simple godly treatment of others. I am not sure the Cretians of that time were much different than people of today. We still see people using and abusing other people. It can and does happen anywhere people lead and people follow. Paul was aware of that fact and reminded Titus to keep a close watch on those who were true leaders of the Gospel and those who claimed to know God yet by their actions denied Him.

For Paul and for Jesus as well, these were the most detestable people of all. Neither of them had any such restraints, they were loud and clear in making known those who were corrupted. Why should it be any different for us today?

I have often stated, "No one knows the heart of another person." This is true only to a point; however when one person continues to take advantage of another person and another and another, it is easily visible where that heart is. Leadership is no exception. When a leader continues to treat others with little or no respect it becomes very it clear where that heart is as well.

Paul made it clear, a judgment must be made. Will I follow a truly spiritual leader or will fall victim to a pretender?

Titus 2-3
After Paul writes about the conduct required from leaders he tells Titus to remind young and old alike how they are to live. Notice how his message was: live so the action would bring glory and integrity to God and His Kingdom. The true message rarely if ever is that we are to live properly in order to avoid
burning in hell or to bring a life of ease and comfort to the individual. If anything is for our personal glory it is only that God in his kindness approves of us, not because of our goodness but rather because of His mercy and grace.

Chapter 3 tells us to willingly place ourselves under the authority of government and be ready to help them with every good things they do. For me this was the most difficult instruction of all. First of all in
American government it is difficult for me to see many good things the politicians are doing which benefits the whole of American people. With some, not many, exceptions we see the same abusive and neglectful situations in our government as was the case in Paul's time. The power and money people get to dictate policy for the rest of the society.No wonder everyone wants to get rich!

Indeed, we, too, were once stupid, disobedient, and misled. We were slaves to many kinds of lusts and pleasures. We were mean and jealous. We were hated, and we hated each other. There are many good things about America which I am thankful for. I can write this because of the freedom we have, I can move about because of that freedom, I can choose which church I attend because of that freedom. Even though it is getting more and more difficult I can even dislike anyone I choose, just as long as I don't call them certain names. Actually my greatest concern is; am I living a life that exemplifies the love, grace, and integrity of the Kingdom of God that I claim to be a part of? The strongest belief in all this is; God loves me in spite of myself!