Holding Firm to the Word: Anchored in Truth, Not Trends
"He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught..."
—Titus 1:9
After listing a long line of character-based qualifications—blameless, self-controlled, holy—Paul finally turns to something more doctrinal: what a spiritual leader believes.
But even here, it’s not about having clever arguments or degrees on the wall. It’s about holding firm. Staying rooted. Remaining faithful to what has been handed down.
Because in a world full of theological drift, Paul is looking for leaders who don’t follow the wind—but who stand on the Word.
What Does “Hold Firm” Mean?
The Greek phrase used here is ἀντεχόμενον τοῦ πιστοῦ λόγου (antechomenon tou pistou logou), which means:
“clinging tightly to the faithful word,” or
“being devoted to the trustworthy message”
This is not passive belief. This is a leader who grabs onto the truth and refuses to let go—not out of stubbornness, but out of conviction.
In other words, it’s not just knowing the truth. It’s being formed by it. Anchored in it. Loyal to it.
Why This Matters in the Church
The Church doesn’t just need inspiring speakers or passionate leaders—it needs people who are rooted in the apostolic faith. People who will pass on what has been received (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:3) without diluting it to fit modern preferences.
In the Catholic tradition, this idea is central. The Church has always understood itself as a steward of Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture, faithfully handing on what was given by Christ through the Apostles.
“The task of interpreting the Word of God authentically has been entrusted solely to the Magisterium of the Church.”
—Catechism of the Catholic Church, 85
But each of us—especially those in leadership—are called to submit to, study, and hold fast to this Word. Not inventing new ideas, but being faithful to what is true.
Jesus, the Faithful Word Made Flesh
Jesus not only taught truth—He was the truth. He never compromised, never spun the message to gain followers. He held fast to the Father’s will, even when it cost Him everything.
To hold firm to the Word, then, is to hold fast to Him—to let His voice shape our beliefs, His story shape our lives, and His teaching anchor our ministry.
A Word for the Unsettled
Let’s be honest: it’s not always easy to hold firm.
There’s cultural pressure. There’s internal doubt. There’s the temptation to soften the message to avoid offense. And for many of us, there’s the fatigue of holding fast when others seem to move on.
But holding firm doesn’t mean becoming harsh or rigid. It means being faithful. Steady. Grounded. Like a tree planted by streams of water.
If you're tired or tempted to compromise, remember this: the Word you're holding is also holding you.
Final Thoughts
When Paul says elders must “hold firm to the trustworthy word,” he’s calling for leaders who don’t just talk about the truth—but who are shaped by it. Anchored in it. Committed to it.
Because only that kind of leader can be trusted to shepherd others in a world full of noise.
So let’s hold fast to Christ. To Scripture. To the teachings of the Church.
Not because they’re trendy—but because they’re true.
Reflection Questions:
Do I know what I believe—and why?
Am I holding firm to God’s Word, or letting it slip in areas that challenge me?
How can I root myself more deeply in Scripture and the teachings of the Church?
