Today, people assume that the lives and behaviors of children are not connected to their parents’ lives. But, Paul clearly set a standard for evaluation of an elder’s eligibility to handle church affairs by the way he handles his children. The father’s ability to live his faith and to apply godly principles at home will measure his readiness to take the huge responsibility of saving the world through the church. If he lives an ungodly life, his children will react to his phony Christianity and rebel against it.
English: Group of children in a primary school in Paris Español: Niños en una escuela elemental en París Français : Enfants dans une école élémentaire à Paris (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The father’s steady demonstration of godly principles at home is a solid evidence of his readiness for public ministry. If he has faithless and unruly children who live worldly lives it will be difficult for him to offer correction to his members living a disruptive and unchristian life. This verse clearly advocates that a preacher should see first his shortcomings to his children and change his ways before he can impose moral standards and biblical principles at home. Once his children appreciates his ways and follows his examples, that is the only time he can freely expect others to do the same.
Paul’s letter to Titus is also applicable to all parents who want to have godly children. You cannot expect your children to be law abiding citizens if you don’t follow simple traffic rules. In the same way, an alcoholic man cannot expect his children to be sober. Christianity is not about delivering laudable sermons or literally carrying a heavy cross for the sake of public demonstration. Christianity is about cultivating a personal relationship with God through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and living your faith in Him. After all, living by example is still the best form of evangelism.
