DTS Devotional

“Since an overseer is entrusted with God’s work, he must...not [be] overbearing” (Titus 1:7). “Overbearing” people are “those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature and despise authority” (2 Peter 2:10). They are “bold and arrogant”—or “self-willed” (NASB).

An “overbearing” Christian is a person who is “a law to himself.” He insists on having his own way. Others are always wrong; he is always right. He is his own authority.

It is easy to see why this kind of person should not be appointed to spiritual leadership in the church. Just as this kind of man as husband and/or father causes conflict in his family and discourages his own wife and children, so he can easily do much harm to the family of God. All it takes is one person with this characteristic to generate disunity in the body of Jesus Christ. “Shepherds of God’s flock” are not to be “lording it over those entrusted to” them (1 Peter 5:3).

Every believer should evaluate his life in light of this biblical standard. Ask yourself, am I overbearing? That is, do I allow my old nature to take control in my relationships with others? For example, do I insist on having the last word in every discussion? Do I find it difficult to agree with others? Do I force my opinions on other people? Affirmative answers to these questions are evidences of an overbearing attitude.

A challenge: If this is evident in your life, begin to put into practice this instruction—“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Phil. 2:3-4).