Daily Devotional
"For this reason I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you."
Titus 1:5
Paul left Titus in Crete not to start something new, but to “put what remained into order” and complete what had been started. This phrase captures the essence of discipleship: preparing others to finish the work that God has begun.
Churches had been planted in Crete, people had been saved, but the work wasn’t complete. Leadership needed to be established, order needed to be brought to church life, and false teaching needed to be addressed. Paul could have stayed and done this work himself, but instead, he entrusted it to Titus. This demonstrates both Paul’s confidence in his spiritual son and his commitment to multiplication rather than just addition.
The principle applies beyond formal ministry. In every area of life where God has given us influence, responsibilities, or opportunities, He intends for us to prepare others to continue and expand that work. Parents prepare children to eventually lead their own families. Business leaders develop others to take greater responsibilities. Believers invest in newer Christians who will someday disciple others.
This requires a long-term perspective. Paul wasn’t just thinking about immediate needs in Crete; he was thinking generationally. By investing in Titus, Paul was actually investing in all the future leaders Titus would develop and all the churches they would plant or strengthen.
The sermon challenge echoes this: “God wants you to complete His work.” We serve a God who invites us into His ongoing work of redemption and restoration. Like Paul with Titus, God entrusts us with meaningful assignments that require both faithfulness to what we’ve learned and courage to step into new challenges.
Today's Challenge
What work has God started in your life that He might want you to help complete in others' lives? How are you preparing others to continue or expand the work God has given you? What would it look like to think generationally about your current opportunities and responsibilities?
Prayer
Father, thank You for inviting me into Your work. Help me to see beyond my immediate tasks to the bigger picture of what You're accomplishing. Give me wisdom to know when to do the work myself and when to prepare others to take it further. Make me faithful in completing what You've started and in preparing others to continue the work. For Your glory and the advance of Your kingdom. Amen.
