Transformed by Grace: The Foundation of Godly Leadership

Have you ever Googled your symptoms instead of going to the doctor? You’re not alone. A recent survey revealed that over half of Americans check the internet—TikTok, Reddit, even AI like ChatGPT—before ever speaking to a medical professional. Even more surprising? Seventy-three percent believe they know more about their own health than their doctor does.

Now, I’m all for asking questions and doing research. But there’s a deeper issue here—trust. Many of us are choosing convenience, trendiness, or confirmation bias over trained, trustworthy guidance. And unfortunately, the same thing is happening in our spiritual lives.

Instead of turning to God’s Word or seeking wisdom from mature believers, people are swayed by social media influencers and self-proclaimed “TikTok theologians.” Sermons are being fact-checked in real-time, not against Scripture, but against someone’s trending opinion online. The danger is real: when we trust the world’s opinions more than God’s truth, we risk compromising our souls.

This isn’t a new problem. Two thousand years ago on the island of Crete, the young churches were facing the same challenge. After Paul and Titus planted these churches, Paul had to leave before local leaders could be established. The result? Chaos. False teaching. Confusion. So Paul wrote to Titus, giving him the authority to appoint godly leaders—men who would anchor these communities in the truth and guide them as representatives of King Jesus.

Titus 1:1–9 outlines two crucial components of a healthy, godly church: God’s truth and godly leadership.

1. God’s Truth Transforms Lives (Titus 1:1–4)

Paul opens his letter with a powerful reminder: the truth of the Gospel changes who we are. He calls himself “a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ.” Paul’s identity wasn’t in his status or achievements—it was in his mission to serve God’s people by proclaiming the truth.

This truth, Paul says, gives us hope of eternal life—life in the age to come, guaranteed by the God who never lies. It was promised before creation and revealed at the perfect time through Jesus.

Titus, Paul’s “true son in the faith,” is a living example of this transformation. United by faith, they share the same mission, the same calling. And so do we.

Application:

• Find your identity in Jesus, not in achievements or approval.
• Build your hope on God’s promises by saturating your life with Scripture—through personal devotions, group studies, music, and more.
• Make Christian community a non-negotiable part of your week.

2. Godly Leadership Anchors the Church (Titus 1:5–9)

The second half of this passage shifts to leadership. Paul instructs Titus to appoint elders—men of proven character and doctrinal soundness. These weren’t men who chased power or prestige. They were called to represent Jesus with integrity.

Their qualifications weren’t about skill or charisma but about character: faithful in their families, self-controlled, hospitable, not greedy or violent, committed to doing good, and able to teach truth while refuting falsehood.

This list isn’t a rigid blueprint for church governance—it’s a call for every Christian leader to reflect the heart of Jesus. Leaders should point people to God not just through their words but through the way they live.

Application:

• Pray for your leaders—pastors, board members, denominational overseers.
• Remember: all believers lead somewhere—whether at work, at home, or in the community. So live with integrity. Let your life point others to Jesus.

Final Thought: Who Are You Influencing?

We live in the age of the influencer. Billions of people are online, and from this vast digital crowd, certain voices rise to shape what we buy, how we think, and even what we believe. These influencers don’t need titles—they just need followers.

But here’s the truth: influence is leadership. And Jesus called all of us—not just pastors—to be influencers for the Kingdom. “Go and make disciples,” He said. Influence people with your love, your truth, your life. You may never have a platform, but you do have a purpose: to lead others to Jesus.

There’s an African proverb that says, “He who thinks he leads and has no one following is only taking a walk.” So let me ask: Who are you influencing—and where are you leading them?

God’s Word transforms lives. And it calls for leaders—all of us—to live with integrity and point others to the King. Let’s not just take a walk. Let’s lead people to Jesus.

Challenge:

Take time this week to pray for our church’s leaders—those who are entrusted with shepherding the flock. Then, ask God to show you how you can lead with integrity in your own sphere