For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.

Last week I listened to The Four Ps, an audio cd from Voddie Baucham.  It is a quick overview of what is more fully covered in Baucham’s book What He Must Be (currently on my Must Read List).

The things he said I had never thought about on the level he was speaking of.  Sure, I’d read Titus 1 and knew the qualifications for an elder in the church, but never ever had I thought about those qualifications being the very ones I should be striving toward in the character of my sons.

Doesn’t it make sense that my sons, whether they become elders or not should exhibit the qualifications of elders in their own homes?  Shouldn’t they be:

• blameless
• a steward of God
• not self-willed
• not quick-tempered
• not drunkards
• not violent
• not greedy
• hospitable
• a lover of good
• sober-minded
• just
• holy
• self-controlled
• holding fast the faithful word they have been taught
• have sound doctrine
• exhort others
• convict those who contradict the Word?

Yes, they are sinners, but shouldn’t God’s grace be evident in their lives?  Shouldn’t they live in accordance with God’s word?  Shouldn’t the training of our sons focus on such things?

How should we raise our sons?

The Titus 1 way.

Weekends in the Word is a ministry of Raising Arrows meant to offer a time of worship and encouragement specifically for those mommies who find themselves, due to circumstances beyond their control, unable to attend worship services with other believers. However, all are welcome here each weekend to feast on His Word.