Being a Servant

1 Timothy 3:8-13 (NIV)

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.

This was an exciting Sunday!  I thought I would do something a little different and share what I shared at church tonight.  Tonight we had the privilege to ordain two men as deacons.  What a joy to be able to take part in such a meaningful service. Below is something I shared with a few changes so it fits the blog.

As we see Scripture is more interested in the spiritual qualifications of deacons than it is in the details of their ministry. The word for deacon is servant, thus the core of their role is service.  They are not called to control the church, but to lead through service.

In I Timothy 1:10 it says they must first be tested.  May we all find our self after the test to be found with sound Christian character, possess God’s grace, and to demonstrate a profound commitment to serve Jesus Christ.

As we start a new week get ready for the test that you may be found a servant of Jesus Christ.

Dear Lord, what a blessing it is to serve You. We pray that when we are tested that we would be found with sound Christian character, that we possess Your grace and that we would show a profound commitment to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.