"It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God." (Hebrews 10:31) God can be serious when He needs to be. Think about all the people with whom He's dealt harshly throughout, not just biblical history, but world as well. Well, the latter part, we won't really get into. It's more the "judgment" that "must begin at the house of God." (1 Peter 4:17) that is the seriousness to which I'm referring.
"But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith in charity, in patience." (Titus 2:1-2)
Paul writes to Titus, "mine own son after the common faith" (1:4). After the first chapter explaining why he is (see chapter one), he continues on in the second and begins at the top, so to speak. What does it look like in a church with reference to the elders? They hold the reins and keep things in check, even as they let the character of God flow through them. Should you wonder about an atmosphere you perceive (that others may or may not) within your church body, best to look at the elders. If God is showing you something, don't ignore it. This being said, it doesn't mean you call attention to it ("rebuke not an elder..." 1 Timothy 5:1) unless the Holy Spirit specifically calls on you to do so.
"The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children." (2:3-4)
God will put His finger on something He wants to deal with. Be it a lie we're believing, a way of thinking (i.e. the germ thought from which that train arises) not in keeping with His will for your life, or anything else of which we were heretofore unaware, you'll find in Him all the love and mercy and grace and peace the other things necessary to live a full and complete life before Him. It's the chastening and discipline He must exact before He leads us out into that place of blessing and peace and joy and contentment.
"Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; and make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed." (Hebrews 12:11-12)