Acts 6:3-4
So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, ‘It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.’ This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit.
Yesterday I wrote about a young Amish school teacher who was attending a meeting for school teachers. One of the speakers mentioned that he wanted to be remembered as a person who was here and willing to help. It was refreshing reading about a teacher’s meeting for Christian teachers.
Here is another statement that caught my attention: “When we serve our fellow men we are serving God. The moment we use our position of authority to demand obedience we have stopped fearing God.” That is a wonderful reminder for all of us.
As we read today’s Scripture we find that Stephen was chosen to wait on the tables. He was a servant! There were six other men chosen, but Stephen was not just a servant, but in verse 8 we read more about him. Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. He went beyond the required tasks of a servant and did his duties as unto the Lord.
Here is the question for us all. Do we have the heart of a servant to such a degree that we serve others as our spiritual act of ministry? That is my desire.
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil