Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, whose grace and peace I pray abound in your life continually. As one of the elders appointed in Crete, where Paul the apostle left us with the weighty task of shepherding God’s flock, I reach out to you, my brothers and sisters scattered across the lands, to share insights and encouragement that might strengthen your walk in faith and fellowship.
The church in Crete, much like your own assemblies, faces many challenges from both within and without. It is in these challenging times that our adherence to the truth of the Gospel becomes paramount. As Paul instructed Titus, and through him all of us, we must hold firm to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that we can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it (Titus 1:9).
False teachings and myths that lead to divisions and ungodly living are as prevalent today as they were in the earliest days of the church. Just as we are instructed, you too must silence the deceptive mouths that spread them, teaching things they ought not, for the sake of sordid gain (Titus 1:11). Remember, a pure heart and a steadfast spirit are your best defenses against the encroachments of error.
The task before us is not merely to refute what is wrong but also to embody and promote what is good. As leaders and laypeople alike, our lives should be open letters of Christ’s love and power. We are called to be temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, and able to teach not just with our words but significantly through our actions (Titus 1:8). The true measure of our doctrine lies in the goodness it fosters within and around us.
Moreover, let us not forget the call to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, and to be peaceable and considerate, always showing true humility toward all men (Titus 3:1-2). In these divisive times, such qualities can be lights in the darkness, drawing others to the hope we have in Christ.
To the young men and women among you, I echo Paul’s exhortations to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ (Titus 2:12-13). Your zeal for good deeds, your integrity in speech and conduct, these are the testimonies that speak loudest to those outside the faith.
And to all who are burdened by the toils of ministry or the cares of this world, remember that Christ redeemed us from all wickedness and purified for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good (Titus 2:14). Let this assurance fortify your hearts: you are chosen, loved, and equipped for every good work that lies ahead.
In closing, I implore you all to maintain the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Be diligent in your service, fervent in love, and unwavering in hope. Your labor in the Lord is not in vain, and the fruit it bears will endure unto eternal life.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all, as you contend for the faith once delivered to the saints and as you navigate the complexities of your calling with wisdom and courage.
Your fellow servant in Christ,
Your Cretan Elder
From the Shores of Crete: A Shepherd's Charge