“For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach.
He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain,
but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.”
Titus 1:7-8
In this list of qualifications, one phrase stood out to me this morning: “a lover of good.” This goes far beyond mere obedience. It shows a heart-change. That beautiful transformation that only the Holy Spirit can bring about. Evidence of what God has done within a person, that they become one who loves good, who delights in God and is joyful in His light, rather than loving and clinging to the darkness of sin.
This is what we, as the people of God, are called to. Because while these verses are stating requirements for an overseer, the aim is that the leaders of God’s church will exemplify how His people are to live.
We are to be lovers of good. To love God and therefore love His Law, because it is His and He is glorious and wise and good and righteous and mighty.
His Law shows us how to walk in light. We should delight to walk in this light, because it is where our Lord is. Our Lord of light and life and freedom.
So what is one to do when this love of good is not felt? We must seek the Lord. Here, it may be obedience and discipline that get us where we need to be. Seeking Him when it’s difficult and the emotions aren’t there. Learning to hear and recognize the voice of our Shepherd. Specifically setting aside time to read and meditate on His Scriptures, quieting the mind so that His Spirit can pierce our hearts with truth and open our eyes to the beauty of His Word and His Law.
“Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
and observe it with my whole heart…
Incline my heart to your testimonies,
and not to selfish gain!”
Psalm 119:34, 36
“Oh how I love your law!
It is my meditation all the day…
How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!”
Psalm 119:97, 103
“The unfolding of your words gives light…
I rejoice at your word
like one who finds great spoil”
Psalm 119:130a, 162
“Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.”
Psalm 1:1-2
In Pleasant Places 