June 18, 2013 (Tuesday)
A crisis arose in the original church in Jerusalem. As a result the apostles faced the reality that a growing church would require additional workers. They came to the conclusion that the church needed to select seven men to help. They put the selection into the hands of the congregation, laying down three requirements for each man: each was to be a good man, a spirit-filled man, and a wise man. Goodness, spirituality, and wisdom were the qualifications.
In the history of the church since, God’s people have found no greater requirements for their leaders.
The result of that decision in the first church was the resolution of a crisis, peace and harmony within the fellowship and success in reaching many people with the gospel message.
Perhaps you are a church worker. Are these three characteristics yours? Here they are again:
1. Goodness
2. Spirituality
3. Wisdom
Church folks should be good folks. They should believe in morality and practice it. That’s not to say they are perfect, never failing or making mistakes. But the general flow of their life should be good.
Church folks should be spiritually-minded folks. They should be filled with the Spirit of God, who lives within every believer. “Filled with the Spirit” means “Controlled by the Spirit.” Church workers should follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in their lives.
Church folks should be wise folks. They should make wise decisions because they ask the Lord for wisdom, knowing that He gives it freely. At their best, Christians will exercise wisdom in their choices.
God bless you, church leader, servant, worker. May the three characteristics of the Jerusalem Seven describe you today.