1st Timothy 3:8. “Likewise the deacons must be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;” DEACONS. “One who serves,” to many people, is a designation for us all. Yet it is evident that there’s something special about those who answer this call. There are qualifications that are needed to help others effectively – For there are many matters to attend to that need one with sensitivity.
Serving God’s people is serving God and needs by one, others can respect. Some matters a deacon has to deal with some overlook or neglect. When a problem is left to fester, “The hearts of the sons of men are fully set to do evil.” The deacons have to nip problem issues in the bud and act both fair and equal.
To be called upon to designate how and where assembly money is spent – Calls for a man of integrity – dishonest gain is not his bent. He recognizes some have little – others much, but both have given to the Lord. The deacons decide where it is to be used; it is not their bounty to hoard.
He’s to be a man of self-control, one we respect, a man of integrity. His faith is sincere and obvious; he sees things as they really should be. He can calmly look at problems and address them under the Spirit’s control. The concern he has isn’t just based on skill, he knows he is responsible for souls.
Some are to feed that which pertains to the body, others are to feed the souls. In every case the deacon’s work is to discern what is best for the whole – And act accordingly with tenderness and care for the benefit of the flock Over which he has been placed to meet their needs and assist them in their walk.
We can trust a man who we know is wise, even though he hasn’t much to say. His life is not hidden from observation and we know him as a man who prays. The role he fills is often thankless and he may be the object of some complaint – But when it comes to guidance and wisdom, his life is without a taint.
“Gracious Father, remember in a special way those who have sensitive matters to deal with. They are often unfairly criticized and even spoken against by people who take on very little responsibility. The nature of the work Thou hast called deacons too can be discouraging at times. Help them to do what they do as unto the Lord. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”
The deacons of the early church were responsible for the physical and spiritual needs of the assembly in Jerusalem. There was no question as to their ability to present the truth of God. Stephen was certainly one who held the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. The qualifications demanded of deacons, also indicates they were trusted, able people who could make reliable decisions for which they would be accountable. All those who represent the assembly in the public sphere, are those who have been proven by time and experience. Men and women who are trusted representatives of an assembly, are conscious of the One whom they serve and the need and impact of their service.
The way a person thinks of God in the inward man, will be seen in the conduct of life outwardly. We express ourselves in words, personal demeanor, and facial expressions and others often form opinions based on the non-verbal expressions as much as the words we say. Deacons are to be grave, worthy of respect, with character worth imitating. They are to use the office, not just fill it. His personal dignity lends weight to the work he does and the decisions made in fellowship with those with whom he shares responsibility. Deacons are not to be double-tongued, not a gossip. People can depend on what he says. The contrast to one who is respectful, are those who are inconsistent and deceitful in their speech, with no serious or good intent in what he says. The deacon will not be given to much wine, nor will he allow anything to impair his judgment or lose his dignity. The attraction of money and wealth, turn people aside from the moral judgments and decision making expected of a leader, so a deacon must not be greedy of "filthy lucre." In handling offerings and distributing money, he must have a spiritual attitude towards it. Money has the power to deflect our common sense and spiritual sense into a path that leads to suspicion and disgrace.