A CLEAR CONSCIENCE
Opening Prayer
Are you about to go through the motions? Don’t! Stop and pray.
Read 1 Timothy 3:8–13
8 In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
11 In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.
12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Could you be described as “full of the Spirit and wisdom”?The classic case of the division between elders and deacons is in Acts 6. Here the apostles are freed up to give their attention to prayer and preaching by the appointment of seven deacons. These men took on the practical tasks of looking after the needs of a growing congregation. What’s striking about “the seven” is their quality—“known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom.” Among their number was Stephen, one of the most Christ-like men ever to live (Acts 7:59,60). Paul, the chief of sinners, had watched approvingly while this deacon was murdered. Years later, Paul sees his errors and God’s mercy, and now he wants churches full of deacons like Stephen.
To be part of a church community can be a really wonderful thing. But there can be a temptation to “play at church.” We like to feel involved, so we look for a role to play, a job to do. Then we have a place and feel part of things. This is no bad thing in itself. But to be part of the church is to be part of something much bigger than that. This is “God’s household” (15), God’s new community, guarding and displaying the Gospel to the world. Even those whose job is to “wait on tables” (Acts 6:2) should have a firm grasp and deep love for the Gospel that is evidenced in lives of integrity and love (8,9).
Apply
Do you serve in your local church? Do you take the responsibility seriously as you would a job or assignment? Commit to serve God wholeheartedly today.
Closing prayer
Thank You, God, for the opportunity to serve You.
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