The Apostle Paul used some politically incorrect language when he said, "Cretans are always liars," actually quoting from the poet Epimenides. Actually the Cretans had gained this reputation throughout the region for being careless or loose with morals. Paul was simply warning Titus that his tenure in Crete was probably going to be loaded with challenges and obstacles. To Titus, Paul gave a list of 64 mandates clustered in 12 different lists. The top five admonitions were to establish the family, obedience, self-control, good character, and most of all righteousness. Paul minced no words when describing the deficits or character flaws in the Cretan culture. We dare not become sensitive or protective about our flaws or shortcomings, but use these admonitions to augment or sharpen our godly character rather than to accept mediocrity or failure.