Qualification - A quality, ability, or accomplishment that makes a person suitable for a particular position or task
When I think of qualification, I think of running a race, exams or training. To put it another way it requires hard work and a lot of effort. Just like an Olympian who wants to compete, one must put their body, mind and soul through a gruelling process to achieve ‘qualification’ let only competing.
In Titus 1, Paul lays down the gauntlet to us, the reader, with various disciplines and requirements to enable a qualification for holiness. Here Paul is interested in our internal make-up as a human being and that we are aspiring and pursuing holiness. One challenge comes in verse 8:
‘…be hospitable, a lover of goodness, prudent, upright, devout, and self-controlled’ (v.8)
(NRSV)
In this context, Paul is saying what a bishop and elders should be like but I think that we can stretch that a little further to every Christian. Would you not want to have all these qualities?
Hospitality has been of these areas where the Lord has been challenging me recently. How can improve being hospitable? How does one qualify for hospitality? Answer: Everyone. Seriously, I think the answer lies at the heart of serving and intimacy with God. These may seem like alien concepts to many but in everyday language, our attitude needs to be loving towards others and welcoming, feeding and caring for people with JOY! Joy not only on the outside but on the inside as well. Not to be shaken by external circumstances but to know the Lord is in control.
Qualification comes when we pursue towards integrity and are disciplined in it.
