What's in a Name?

I'll admit. I still struggle with the idea that someone considers me old enough to be an Elder. Growing up, I always envisioned Elders as, well, old guys with grey beards, wearing robes, and issuing sage advice. Charlton Heston in the Ten Commandments was an Elder's Elder. Looking in the mirror, I'm not that kind of Elder. Not even close.

In Titus 1:6-9, the Apostle Paul lays out a pretty good definition of what an Elder is to be. That definition, when applied to me results in a bit of good news and bad news. Let's start with the bad news. To be honest, it's bad. Really bad. I look at Paul's list of qualifications and I don't measure up: I sometimes have a quick temper, I'm not always self-controlled, hospitable, or disciplined. That's just for starters. What was the leadership at St Luke thinking? Did anyone even read Titus before giving me the nod? For that matter, what was God thinking?

OK. Let's step back and look for some good news. First, Paul doesn't mention anything about personal grooming standards or a dress code. Check. I'm the husband of one wife and my children are believers. Check and check. I hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught so I can give instruction in sound doctrine. Now we're talking! On a related note, Sunday morning Adult Bible Study starts September 20th, 2009.

But the really good news is the Good News. I can never be good enough on my own to be an Elder. No one can. The definition Paul presented in Titus is not his own. It is is God's. God demands perfection. But, since we are incapable of perfection due to our sinful natures, He sent Perfection to us in the form of His Son Jesus. Because Jesus died on the cross, I am saved.

I am a sinner still. But, I am also a saint. I can be an Elder, too. Even if I don't feel old enough.