June 19, 2008 - Acts 6:3a

“’Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom.’” Acts 6:3a.
The need arose within the community of early followers of Jesus for a group of people to be chosen to do the specific job of service. This happened because of the growth that was happening within the community. So many new people were being added as followers of Jesus that new demands were being placed on the leadership, and they could no longer do all that was required. It was decided to have the community choose “seven men from among” them who met the specific qualifications required by the leadership. These men were to be known as people who were full of the Holy Spirit and full of the spiritual gift of wisdom.
The job that these seven were to perform were acts of service within the community, so it is interesting that they were not seeking people with the gift of service but, instead, the gift of wisdom. When looking for people in whom I can delegate, I try to select people with gifting in areas of need: servers in areas of service, administrators in areas of administration, and so forth. In reflecting on this verse, I am challenged to remember that I need not just look at natural gifting but also spiritual gifting. I have made some very poor choices by going with what I perceived to be natural gifting and not relying on the Holy Spirit to show me. And I have tended to make decisions by myself instead of rely on those around me. A couple of my challenges are to function in community and, at the same time, to trust the Holy Spirit working through those around me, when appropriate.
Questions to consider: Do you know anyone who is “full of the Spirit and wisdom?” What are they like? If you delegate responsibilities, do you just consider their natural abilities and gifts, or do you also consider their spiritual gifting?
Prayer: Father, help me to remember how You gift people, and help me to be sensitive to Your Spirit’s leading as I select people to carry particular responsibilities. Amen.