Servants Full of Spirit and Wisdom, 5/13/2012
- What qualifications do we look for in a serving one? A long list of qualifications could some time obscure the truly crucial, essential qualities we are looking for. In Acts 6, this list is very brief and to the point: good repute, full of the Spirit, and full of wisdom.
- First, men of good repute: literally “well-spoken men”, from the same root word for witnesses or martyrs. The Message translation brings out its meaning: “So, friends, choose seven men from among you whom everyone trusts, men full of the Holy Spirit and good sense (Acts 6:3).” In other words, these two basic qualifications, that of full of Spirit and wisdom, have to be clearly manifested and attested by many.
- Then, men full of Spirit: “full of” meaning “controlled by”. Some people may think that we can separate what we do from who we are, but I do not think that it is possible. It is inevitable that we bring who we are to everything we do. Hence, when the apostles select men to serve, the emphasis is on their character: what is the controlling principle of their life? What is it that they are known to be controlled by? Is it the Holy Spirit or something else?
- Note that even though these men are appointed to take care of some secular tasks, the qualifications are that of their character; and their character has to be first and foremost spiritual. In fact, there is no such thing as secular service in the church. All the services are spiritual in nature, and only spiritual men can serve well.
- Finally, men full of wisdom: knowing how to apply spiritual principles to every aspect of life and decision-making. These are practical men, capable of putting their limited resources to the best use, best in term of both short-term need and long-term benefit.
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