Acts 6:5. “Men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom…”
HONEST. Some things are better able to be seen rather than heard. An honest report is of great value. In order to have people give an honest report about me, they have to have observed me in a lot of different aspects of my life: business, family, marriage, church and community life are all observable by people even when I don’t know it is happening. In order to be able to be used for God in service, there has to be a good reputation from without.
God knows when one is full of the Holy Spirit. A person full of the Holy Spirit can be trusted with very difficult situations. To deal with sensitive issues among God’s people is a very touchy responsibility; there are so many conflicting points of view about the same matter usually. May I always be a willing and available tool for the Holy Spirit to use without question.
Wisdom is really my responsibility. If I am teachable, available, prayerful and a willing listener; I can perhaps gain some wisdom and insight that God can use for His glory.
Such men as those early deacons, have given us a clear understanding as to what God wants in those who serve Him by serving His people.
There were seven things which characterized Stephen. Faith – He was full of faith, v.5. People who have experienced God working in their lives – know God’s blessings. People of faith can trust God without question – even in difficulties. People of faith can rest in God when nothing is happening – even in waiting. The Holy Spirit was working through Stephen – He was full of the Holy Ghost, v.5. That meant he was available, ready, and willing to do what God wanted, and by the Spirit’s power, Stephen was a wise servant, v.3; who was used to perform miracles as a sign of divine authority v.8. He was also an articulate evangelist, v.10, who people listened to and responded to. Stephen was also a man through whom the power of God was evident – He was full of power, v.8. God’s power was working through him. He was a powerful speaker who had powerful logic when presenting God's truth. He also had a powerful personality that was used under the control of the Spirit of God. The wisdom the Holy Spirit gave Stephen was irresistible, v.10. In order to divide property and food for the people and to be a sensitive administrator, a man must be a person known for integrity, patience and wisdom. Stephen was a man of God given wisdom. Energy, spiritual energy, v.10, is greatly needed in the face of lies, opposition and antagonism. This requires one who is not easily moved but has the spiritual energy to withstand the pressure that comes upon one who is placed by God in a public position. And Stephen was also a man of steadfastness – he ceased not, v.13. He didn't quit when opposition arose. He knew he was doing what God wanted and he was not going to be intimidated into silence. Effective communication is not easy under serious, life-threatening opposition. In the council chambers with antagonism evident all around him – his face shone, v.15. One of the ways the reality of who we are shows itself is through the face and hands. These are silent testimonies that add weight to the words we speak. Facial expressions and motions of the hands can add a powerful emphasis to the message we give and the importance we believe the message contains.
"Lord, if there is some way I can be more like them, then perhaps You will be able to use me in Thy holy service. They served You by serving the people around them. I want to serve You by serving people around me. Amen”