In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness, and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. Titus 2:7-8
“Those who want to work for moral reform in the world must seek the glory of God before all else… Their upright lives and noble conduct must shine before all who are in the house of God… They will be like skilled physicians taking great pains to dispose of all the diseases that afflict the Church and require a cure. They will ready themselves to provide suitable remedies for each illness. As far as remedies applicable to the whole Church are concerned, reform must begin with high and low alike, with superiors and inferiors. Yet the reformers must look first to those who are set above the rest, so that reform can begin at the point from which it may spread to the others.”
John Leonardi (1541-1609) in Letter as recounted Milton Walsh in Witness of the Saints: Patristic Readings in the Liturgy of the Hours (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2012) 505.
Whether you work in Christian ministry or support it generously through your giving and service, Leonardi reminds us to keep two things in view.
Firstly, do everything for the glory of God.
Those who engage in “philanthropy” (a word I avoid using, because in biblical times it was associated with “love of glory” or getting public praise for giving) must keep Christ in focus and avoid the spotlight.
Secondly, we must engage reform both at the top and the bottom.
The apostle Paul urged Titus in today’s Scripture to set an example for those he served in Crete. We must do the same where we are. And any reform efforts must address those at the top as well as those on the grassroots level.
These two points come together to show us how to strengthen the Church which is under attack today.
If we do everything for God’s glory, and if we engage reform both at top and the bottom, our generous service will strengthen the Church where God has situated us.