Titus 1:7 “For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain,”
BULLY
I recently taught this verse to our kids at church. We’re studying the book of Titus, and we are calling the series “Intentional.” One word – one long word – one intentional word – to describe a short, three chapter book from Paul to Titus. I walked the children through this long list of do’s and don’ts regarding the qualifications of an elder. But guess what? These qualities really apply to everyone who wants to walk with Christ.
One word really got their attention – pugnacious. I don’t think I had EVER used that word in my vocabulary before. The word means bully, striker, or someone who fights. Now who, besides a prize fighter, wants to be like that? What believer wants to be a bully? No one should. It goes totally against the character of Christ. But so many of us can’t wait for a good fight. Of course, we rationalize every one of those fights.
TEACHING MOMENT
You probably think this is an easy trait to teach our kids. They fight, and we discipline. Simple as that! But what kind of fighting are we talking about? Is it really as simple as that? There are all kinds of fighting and bullying. Today, that can happen online. Thousands of kids a day are being bullied through social media. You can fight without saying a word. I’ve seen girls who bully other girls without saying a word.
Being pugnacious has nothing to do with Christ. That word should not describe us either. No one should see your child coming and think, “Here comes that bully.” How horrible that would be. So how do you prevent it? You model being unpugnacious (not sure that is a word, lol) yourself and you hold them accountable if you see a glimmer of that in them. Easier said than done, I know. But that is why you are getting paid the big bucks as a parent.
A Moment In Time 