Paul emphasizes that shepherds must be well-informed so that they can stop false teachers, who are so destructive, that they can destroy entire families. Therefore, elders have a grave responsibility to watch for the souls of the flock, and they will be held accountable for how well they carry out their responsibilities.

5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you— 

6 if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination. 

7 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, 

8 but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, 

9 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. 

10 For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 

11 whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain. 

12 One of them, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” 

13 This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,

14 not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth. 

15 To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. 

16 They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.

~ Titus 1:5-16

Holy God in Heaven, I want to thank You for placing godly leaders among Your people. I pray that they will be good stewards of their responsibilities for Your glory and the good welfare of Your flock. Please give them strength, wisdom, and courage to take a stand and defend Your truth! Help them to be well-informed and resolute in their convictions. I promise to follow Your ways and rebuke those who spread evil. I know that people’s souls are at stake, and am willing to confront evil to protect them. Please guide me and strengthen me in every way so that I can carry out the grave responsibilities You’ve entrusted to us, with honor. Thank You for leading and directing us in all things. Amen.