Upright: Living Justly in a Crooked World
"Rather, he must be hospitable, a lover of goodness, self-controlled, upright..."
—Titus 1:8
In a world that often rewards shortcuts, excuses, and compromise, Paul calls for something different in those who lead the Church: justice. Integrity. Uprightness.
To be “upright” is to live with a sense of moral clarity—to treat people rightly, walk in honesty, and reflect the justice of God in your choices. And Paul says this quality should not be rare—it should be expected in spiritual leadership.
What Does “Upright” Mean?
The Greek word here is δίκαιος (dikaios), meaning:
“just, righteous, fair, one who gives others their due”
It’s the same word often used to describe God Himself—and also St. Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father, who is called a “just man.”
To be upright is to live in right relationship—with God, with others, and with oneself. It’s not just about being nice. It’s about being morally trustworthy—someone others can rely on to do the right thing even when it costs something.
Why This Matters in the Church
Leadership in the Church requires credibility. People need to know their pastors, bishops, or ministry leaders won’t manipulate, deceive, or twist situations for personal gain. They need to know they’re being treated fairly—especially when correction, counsel, or conflict arises.
Catholic moral theology holds justice as one of the four cardinal virtues (along with prudence, temperance, and fortitude). The Catechism defines justice this way:
“Justice is the moral virtue that consists in the constant and firm will to give their due to God and neighbor.”
—Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1807
It’s not just a virtue for courts—it’s a virtue for Christian homes, friendships, communities, and especially Church leadership.
Jesus, the Just King
Jesus lived uprightly. He challenged injustice. He confronted hypocrisy. He treated the poor, the rich, the religious, and the forgotten with truth and fairness—never with favoritism.
And more than that, He became our righteousness. His life was the fulfillment of all justice—and His death satisfied what none of us could. That means uprightness, for us, doesn’t start with behavior. It starts with union with Christ, and flows out from there.
A Word to the Compromised
Maybe the word “upright” feels more like a burden than a goal. Maybe you’ve made decisions in the past that weren’t fair, weren’t honest, or weren’t right.
There’s grace for that.
Confession is not just about forgiveness—it’s about realignment. A returning to what’s straight after we’ve wandered into what’s crooked.
You’re not disqualified. But you are invited—to come back to what’s true, to deal honestly, and to live righteously—not out of pressure, but out of freedom in Christ.
Final Thoughts
When Paul says Church leaders should be “upright,” he’s not asking for a flawless track record—he’s asking for men whose lives reflect the justice and goodness of God. Men who tell the truth. Who treat others fairly. Who follow through. Who make things right when they’ve gone wrong.
In a world full of half-truths and blurred lines, that kind of integrity is more than refreshing. It’s holy.
Reflection Questions:
Do I treat others fairly—even when it’s inconvenient?
Are there areas of my life where I’ve compromised the truth?
What would it look like to pursue justice in my relationships this week?
