Good morning, everyone.
Our verse for today comes from Acts 6:3, “Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task.”
If you had a childhood dream of becoming president, then you may have researched the office enough to know what were some of the right and powers assigned to the leader of our country. Among the privileges are the power to sign legislation into law or reject and veto it. Also, the president commands the armed forces and has the authority to grant pardons to convicted criminals. And if you were curious, you would have discovered that the president’s annual salary in the 1950’s and 60’s was $100,000, which increased to $200,000 until 2001, and now is set at $400,000. Initially, though, you would have wanted to make sure you were eligible to be president when you grew up. Fortunately (or unfortunately), there are only a few limitations on who can be the leader of the free world, and they are: you must be a natural born citizen of the US, you must be at least 35 years old, and you must have been a resident within the country for 14 years. That’s it. No special training or education is required. No missteps in your past or run-ins with the law prohibit you from serving. No one is forbidden because of race or gender or having wacko parents. And in light of our mostly open-door policy, we have seen all kinds take up shop in the Capitol.
God was also fairly permissive in whom He chose to be the first of what we call deacons. He said they had to be men who had a good reputation and were full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. That’s it, short and sweet. But, boy, His list carries the weight of the world with it when compared to where you were born and how old you are. Rather, God seems to be completely concerned that those leading His people by serving be full of a few things, and those things point to the inclination of their heart and will. A man of good repute is full of the trust of those around him, refusing to misrepresent himself. To be full of the Holy Spirit removes all limitations as to where you will allow God to take you and what you will surrender to Him. And being full of wisdom enables you to make decisions based on more than the details you know. So if you desire the presidency, then good for you. But if you desire to serve God’s people, make sure you fill up.
As we seek Him today, ask God to fill you with all you need to be all He wants to do all that needs to be done.
Have a delightful Thursday.
#4 Rich Holt
Dad of Ripken, Koy, TrishaJean, Samantha, Kakie Holiday and Raleigh
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them.
