The demand focus on prayer and the ministry of the word because of the increasing number of converts led to the rise of Stephen in God's vineyard. Verse three reflects the qualities of a servant leader that one ought to pursue and excel in:
1. Connected - "from among you" - One must be in faithful fellowship in one's community. By "walking slowly through the crowd" as Maxwell puts it, I may be able to not only see, but experience and identify the needs of the people.
2. Team player - "seven men" - One is has to understand that he is not called to rise into rockstardom, but he enlists himself as one of the many. One must be able to get along well with those who pursue the same objective as you are--to serve tables. Much is accomplished when the many is united. Disaster is expected when the many is divided.
3. Integrity & Credibility - "of good reputation" - The virtue of unity of one's character at all times. Integrity surpasses all qualities a servant leader must pursue with priority. Integrity is vital not only as a leader, but as a human being. By walking in integrity, I honor my people and I honor myself. By walking in integrity, I earn the respect of all people, including myself. By walking in integrity, I honor and worship the God who is righteous and holy.
4. Empowered - "full of the Holy Spirit" - What I cannot do and achieve as a natural born leader I can with the anointing and leading of the Holy Spirit. Thus the glory is not mine to revel upon but God's.
5. Wise & Discerning - "of wisdom" - With a leader who is wise in judgment, a nation rejoices and is blessed (Proverbs). Such gift of wisdom and discernment must be sought from the Lord. "He who lacks wisdom must ask ..." (James).
6. Responsible & Dependable - "put in charge" - A responsible and dependable servant is a joy and blessing to his master. A leader ought not to be a talker but one who speaks well of himself by acting upon his God-given task of servanthood.
My soul, may you be found exceling in such qualities. Follow the example of Stephen, a young man "full of faith and of the Holy Spirit." He who served beyond what was required of him--to serve widows--now being used by God to proclaim the gospel of peace and reconciliation with such boldness and passion for the risen Christ. May the world find you as one bearing the image of God "like the face of an angel" amidst its tribulations and persecutions. Indeed such is the quality of the servant Christ whom all of us ought to pattern our service on.
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