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by Kevin Pauley
The reason I left you in Crete was to set right what was left undone and, as I directed you, to appoint elders in every town: someone who is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of wildness or rebellion. For an overseer, as God’s manager, must be blameless, not arrogant, not quick tempered, not addicted to wine, not a bully, not greedy for money, but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, righteous, holy self-controlled, holding to the faithful message as taught, so that he will be able both to encourage with sound teaching and to refute those who contradict it. - Titus 1:5-9 HCSB
A charakter was an instrument that was used in engraving or carving. More specifically a charakter was the mark that was stamped upon that instrument. So a charakter was a mark or figure that had been burnt on[1], or stamped on.
Christ was an exact stamp, the express image, the exact expression of God the Father’s nature[2]. He was a precise, immanent reproduction of the transcendent nature of God in a visible, human body.
From the very beginning, humankind was also created in the image of God and according to His likeness[3]. I am not saying that we “look” like God, for God is a spirit[4] – meaning He has no flesh or bone[5]. We cannot make a representation of the Father’s or the Holy Spirit’s appearance because they have none to copy[6].
What I am saying is that to possess good character is to gain the imprint of God upon our lives. We are different in substance from God as clay is different from the metal stamp which is impressed upon it. But we may possess certain unique traits or “fruit” that identify us as being under the control of the Holy Spirit[7]. That is why the Master taught us “by their fruit you may know them.[8]”
Therefore to lead in the church, we must work first and foremost at developing our character. We must be faithful[9]. We must work steadily and untiringly for the good of our church. We must be dependable. When we say that we will do something, we do it or die trying[10].
We must have humble[11], servant’s[12] spirits that drive us to serve, rather than overlord, our flock. We must constantly seek to be holy[13] not only in the imputed sense[14], but also in the practical sense[15].
Elders are to exemplify the charakter of God’s person (in Greek hupostaseos). We are to demonstrate in our person the results of lives drenched in the word and prayer. Like Moses’ shining face[16], our attitudes and deeds should reveal that we have been in God’s presence. This is how one leads in a “charaktocracy”.
[4] John 1:18; 4:24; Colossians 1:15; 1 Timothy 1:17,6:16
[8] Matthew 7:16,20; Luke 6:44
[14] Romans 6:3-4; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 3:10
Kevin Pauley is a pastor and writer. He lives in Illinois with his wife, Lynn, their five children and two dogs. His internet address is Berea.
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