Paul wrote to the young pastors under his care, Timothy and Titus, regarding the appointment of elders to lead their local churches. His list makes for a good self-check for anyone following the way of Jesus.

Here’s a sampling: An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife…not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent…hospitable, one who loves what is good, self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.

A strong list of personal characteristics. Depth of character combined with loving others makes for a good leader.

Paul continued with a second set of qualifications: He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it have been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.

Alongside right living stands right teaching. A leader pays close attention to the word of God. The teachings passed down from Paul and the authors of scripture form the basis of sound doctrine, both to be taught freely and to counter those who promote falsities in the name of Christ.

While the list appears daunting, serious minded followers of Jesus remain ever necessary to lead our churches. I appreciate the elders who lead our local church and the giving of their time and energy doing so.

But whether I serve as an elder or not, these qualifications help me take a closer at how I’m progressing in the faith—or better yet—how the faith is progressing in me.

Titus 1 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Aaron Burden

It’s hard to sit still. When I pause for a few minutes I quickly think of something that needs doing. Fixing something around the house or mowing the grass pops to mind. Accomplishing a task pushes aside stillness.

My phone opens a variety of options to counteract stillness. I check the news—what’s Putin up to? I read an interesting article on Croatia. I daydream. I find it hard to focus and stay still.

Yet the Lord is not found in busyness, but in stillness. So clever, to be discovered in plain sight, if only I might slow my mind enough to see.

The Lord spoke these words through the Sons of Korah: Be still, and know that I am God. I understand the concept, but I find it hard to practice. Recently, however, I learned a different way to pray this verse from my wife. Maybe you’ll find it helpful as well.

Breathe deeply and close your eyes. Then repeat the verse slowly, over and over, but each time drop a word from the end. I find the practice helps me focus, and the change of each line opens space to sense beyond the immediate.

Find a quiet moment and try it a few times:

Be still, and know that I am God.

Be still, and know that I am.

Be still, and know that I.

Be still, and know that.

Be still, and know.

Be still, and.

Be still.

Be.

Psalm 46 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Rasmus Smedstrup Mortensen

In what turned out to be the final words in his final letter, Paul charged the young pastor, Timothy, with these ideas:

Preach the word, be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

Paul warned Timothy that the work won’t be easy. People will find the way of Jesus too challenging and too constraining. They will flutter to teachings that promote what their itching ears want to hear, turning away from the truth and rejecting Timothy in the process.

Regardless of what comes, Paul encouraged: But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

On other words, do the work and spread the faith. Stay true to the scriptures despite the unpopularity of the message. Remain constant and dependable—there’s a lot to be said for steady.

Paul’s charge is applicable to both me and you. It instructs us to maintain composure, endure difficulties, openly proclaim our faith, and stay true to the teachings of the Bible.

Like Timothy, let us hold steady and keep the faith.

2 Timothy 4 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Anne Nygård