Evidence of the Spirit

Scripture: Now in those days, as the disciples were multiplied, there was murmuring among the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their widows were overlooked in the daily distribution. So the twelve called the multitude of disciples together and said, "It is not reasonable for us to leave the word of God and serve tables. Brothers, look among yourselves for seven men who are known to be full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint over this duty." Acts 6:1

Observation: The first conflict in the Church is ... racial tension between Hebrew Jews and Greek Jews. We know the resolution is the selection of deacons - members who will care for other members, especially the disadvantaged ones. It is interesting to note the following characteristics of these deacons:

-- They were not selected from the Hellenists - the racial minority - but rather from the group at large.

-- They were not explicitly people who cared about the issues at hand, but rather were full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom.

In other words, the Church didn't look for people with passion for the issue, or a personal connection to the problem. They looked for people filled with the Holy Spirit, to therefore trust God working through those individuals to assist with the challenge.

Application: If I sincerely desire more of the Spirit in my life, I need to be open to being called into situations I don't necessary care about. This, in fact, would be the effect - not the cause - of a spirit-filled life ... being asked by leadership to do things I am not particularly interested in doing.

Stephen and Philip probably fall into this category. They are called into service to Greek widows. Stephen is clearly a scholar and great apologist (evidenced by his conviction of the Sanhedrin in chapter 7). Philip is a great evangelist (as we learn in chapter 8). In the church, we may consider these to be "more important" gifts or functions than ensuring a balanced disbursement of food to the weaker members of a minority ethnic group. However, the lesson here is the opposite ... it is the power of the Holy Spirit that enables those obvious gifts that also make someone capable to mercy and humble service.

I earnestly need to take this to heart.

Prayer: Dear Lord, today I pray into Micah 6:8. I want to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with you every day. I see this must play out in my spirit-life, and be fulfilled in my service-life. I will be open to your call and your voice, both within and outside the context of the Body of Christ. Amen.