🕊️ PRAY HERE Devotion 🕊️ The Qualified Were Chosen

Scripture: Acts 6:5–6

Devotion: Yesterday, we discussed the first complaint in the Christian church and what the solution was.

Today, we focus on the qualifications.

The Apostles did not just pick seven available people.

Whew!

They picked seven qualified people.

Often in church, many people think they are qualified and want to be selected for different positions and responsibilities.

The problem is, everyone who is available may not be qualified.

Although the Apostles were looking for deacons at the time, these qualities are beneficial for any servant in the Lord’s church.

Let’s take a look.

The men selected had to be:

• Of honest report — They had to be honest and have a good reputation.

• Full of the Holy Ghost — They had to have the Spirit of God.

• Full of wisdom — They had to be wise.

Now pause and think about those qualifications.

How much better would our lives be if we possessed these qualities?

How much better would our churches be if every volunteer, staff member, leader, pastor, minister, teacher, usher, musician, singer, and servant possessed these qualities?

This made perfect sense.

The Apostles needed people who would not create problems but would help solve them.

Let’s talk about each quality.

First, they had to be of honest report.

An honest servant can be trusted.

You do not have to wonder what they are doing behind the scenes.

They are truthful, dependable, and have integrity.

A church cannot function properly without honest people.

Second, they had to be full of wisdom.

Wisdom helps people make good decisions.

A wise usher handles difficult situations differently than an unwise usher.

A wise ministry leader prevents problems before they start.

A wise pastor knows when to speak and when to listen.

Wisdom protects both people and ministry.

Third, they had to be full of the Holy Ghost.

Whew!

This is the qualification many churches hardly acknowledge anymore.

Some churches talk about leadership skills, education, experience, and personality; but never discuss whether a person is filled with the Holy Ghost.

Yet the Apostles made it a requirement.

Why?

Because the Holy Ghost gives guidance, conviction, discernment, power, and spiritual understanding.

Without the Holy Ghost, people often operate in flesh.

With the Holy Ghost, people can operate in the Spirit.

Imagine how much stronger our churches would be if every servant was led by the Holy Ghost.

Pastors would pastor differently.

Teachers would teach differently.

Singers would sing differently.

Music directors would lead differently.

Ushers would serve differently.

Everything would be done with the guidance of God’s Spirit instead of human effort alone.

The early church understood this.

And they were successful.

Acts 6:5 tells us who they chose:

Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost.

Philip.

Prochorus.

Nicanor.

Timon.

Parmenas.

And Nicolas.

This elite seven was selected because they possessed the qualities needed to help the ministry grow.

What stands out to me is that it was not about position.

It was about character.

It was not about what they were doing.

It was about how they did it and the spirit in which they did it.

Whew!

That will preach.

So today, ask yourself:

Am I qualified?

And if you do not currently possess all of these qualities, do not be discouraged.

You now know what needs to be added to your resume.

These qualities will not only help you serve better in church, but they will also help you in everyday life.

God bless you!

Prayer: Father God, help me become the servant You desire me to be. Develop honesty, wisdom, and spiritual maturity in my life. Fill me fresh with the Holy Ghost and teach me to be led by Your Spirit in everything I do. Help me serve with the right heart, the right attitude, and the right motives. Let my life be a good example to others, and let my character match my calling. Lord, make me qualified for every assignment You place before me and help me bring glory to You through my service.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.