There’s old-fashioned. And there’s new-fashioned. And sometimes they might be the exact same thing but they don’t sound alike at all. For example, the expression “holding fast” to something. I bet you don’t many, if any who say that. No, it’s a lot more likely you’ll hear “hangin’ on” to something.

And how in the world can holding fast be the same as hangin’ on?

Well, let’s not get distracted by HOW it happened. Or you’re liable to start wondering how “going to” ended up as “gone to.” Or how abbreviated words transformed into possessive words. Etc. Etc.

Just know that holding fast and hangin’ on mean the same thing. At least in the case of what I’m sharing with you today.

This is still part of Paul’s description of the qualifications to follow for appointing bishops and elders in your church. He left Titus in Crete to “set in order the things that are lacking.” And apparently Paul’s prescribed qualifications were commands. Not requests. Because he actually told Titus to “appoint elders in every city as I commanded you…”

Paul laid it all out clearly. And the way he said it makes it sound like it’s not a popularity contest. And it’s certainly not about power and affluent influence. Check it out. I believe you’ll find it very eye-opening.

And as you read it, you’ll find the answer to this rhyming quest.

It’s a very short letter. So, it won’t take you much time to get through it. And somewhere in the letter is the answer you’ll need to fill in the final word that finishes the rhyme below. Think you can do it? Remember, don’t overthink it. The answer might be in plain sight.

If and when you think you know, don’t just keep holding fast to it. Be sure to leave a comment, or send an email with your answer.

Here’s the rhyme:

A bishop must be blameless and
Self-willed, not quick-tempered.
Not violent, he’s able to
Hold fast the faithful __________

There’ll be other challenges. So, there’ll be other chances to get your name in one of my upcoming books of Rhymes and Reasons. If you wanna get a jump on the competition and know when the next one is, jump on the The TRUTH.

That way they’ll come to you, and you won’t have to go lookin’ for ’em.

(I’ll give you a hint: the next one is tomorrow)

Stay tuned,