“They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.” – Titus 1:16
Scripture is quite emphatic that ultimately the fruit of our lives reveals our heart and mind. Though people can certainly fake holiness for a limited time, ultimately a person’s words and works will reveal their true spiritual condition. Those who profess to know God, who claim to be holy, and assume the mantle of spiritual leadership, yet don’t display the character of Christ and don’t prioritize the priorities of Christ are indeed detestable, disobedient, and unfit for the work of the Lord!
As Christians, we should each spend so much time in the Bible getting to know our Lord and Savior – His words, His works, and His heart – that we can easily discern these wolves in shepherd’s clothing! A Christian leader should care for the lost, the vulnerable, the wavering, and the weak because Jesus does. A Christian leader should not be concerned for wealth, status, or popular acclaim because Jesus wasn’t concerned for these things. A Christian leader must be known for increasing love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control because these are the character traits of Jesus. If they are not known for these things, there’s a profound disconnect between their public profession and their private practice of faith.
Everyone makes mistakes and everyone has bad days. There must always be grace for that, especially during challenging times. However, we cannot be continually making excuses for those claiming to be followers of Jesus who characteristically deny God by their conduct. We must reject their leadership and lovingly but firmly confront their unholiness – for their sake and ours!