Teach with Authority

Text: Titus 2:15
Theme: Paul modeled authoritative teaching for church leaders.
Key verses: “These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you” (v 15).
What God said to me: Dwayne, an important part of leadership is your faithfulness and ability to encourage and rebuke those you lead. Real change and forward progress in people’s lives or in an organization will not happen without both of those intentional elements in play constantly. Encouragement that avoids rebuke when it’s needed can amount to little more than fluf and flattery. Rebuke apart from sincere encouragement can be harsh and punitive, rather than loving and helpful. So why should you encourage and rebuke “with all authority”? Why was Paul so concerned about Titus not allowing anyone to “despise” him? Perhaps Paul wanted to be sure Titus kept a healthy balance of the two. When you encourage and especially when you rebuke someone, it will be more effective if it comes from a person of authority, who has earned the privilege to speak into that person’s life. However, if the rebuke is not motivated out of a strong desire to encourage them, then they may end up despising you, rather than appreciating you. As with everything in my Kingdom, it all comes down to love. Love them as I love you.
What I said to God: Wow, Lord. I didn’t see all that in this verse when I first sat down and read it today. Thank You for illuminating my mind and heart and showing me this awesome truth. And it’s so timely as I strive to lead my own team and meet with them even today. Help me always balance encouragement and rebuke appropriately and always be motivated out of a deep love and concern to see others grow in You.