Titus 2:7-8
7 And in all things show yourself to be an example of good works, with purity in doctrine [having the strictest regard for integrity and truth], dignified, 8 sound and beyond reproach in instruction, so that the opponent [of the faith] will be shamed, having nothing bad to say about us.
Paul is urging Titus to focus his efforts on teaching sound doctrine and setting the standard. He talks to him about how older men and women and also how younger women and men ought to conduct themselves and the kind of fruit that should be evident in them. Paul also mentions something to Titus about his leadership and the fruit that ought to be seen in his life.
As a leader, Titus ought to be an example of good works in all things. As a leader, he should not just tell and direct others on what to do, but he should lead by example. His good works should be seen by all. The bible tells us to let out light shine before men that they may see our good works and give glory to our father in heaven. As a leader Titus ought to lead by demonstration and example. All he does must be done within the confines of pure doctrine. This means that as a leader he ought to have a good grasp of what sound doctrine is because that is the guiding factor of all he does.
Integrity and truth ought to be at the fore front. This is so crucial especially today where integrity and truth is preached by many in positions of leadership but behind closed doors corruption and crookedness has become the order of the day and we have embraced it as the normal way of life even in the church. The reality is that walking in integrity and truth will cost something because corruption will always fight back and as a leader one must be willing to pay the price.
Titus is urged to live a life that is beyond reproach meaning his life ought to be lived in such a way that no one can bring anything against him. Joseph of old is a good example and even Daniel who lived such a life of purity and integrity that the only thing his accusers could find to use against him was his prayer life. Samuel the prophet is another great example.
1 Samuel 12:3-4
3 Here I am; testify against me before the LORD and [Saul] His anointed [if I have done someone wrong]. Whose ox have I taken, or whose donkey have I taken, or whom have I exploited? Whom have I oppressed or from whose hand have I taken a bribe to blind my eyes [to the truth]? [Tell me and] I will restore it to you.” 4 They said, “You have not exploited us or oppressed us or taken anything at all from a man’s hand.”
Our enemy is looking at how we live life and when we live a life above reproach then he will have nothing bad to say about us.
Are you a leader? Then lead by example and demonstration because others are watching.