In the book of Acts there came a time in the history of the early church that the administrative responsibilities became too much for the disciples to handle. What has always fascinated me with this story is the qualifications listed for the seven that would be chosen to serve food to widows and carry out this program. It might seem like a mundane task, but God’s leadership standards were high.
So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.” Acts 6:2-4 NLT
Three qualifications:
- Well respected
- Full of the Holy Spirit
- Full of wisdom
Whatever you are called to do in life or in leadership, making these three part of what and who we are is not a bad idea. You can’t buy respect—it is earned by treating others kindly no matter who they are or what position they may hold. Being full of God’s Spirit comes with the surrendering of ourselves, our wishes and wants. When we abandon ourselves to him and trust him with our lives, his Spirit lives in us and functions on our behalf. The Proverb writer said, “Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold.” (Proverbs 3:13-14 NLT)
Pastor Wes Humble is Executive Director of Ministry, Community Relations and Events.
