¹²Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. ¹³For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 3:12-13

Like elders, qualifying deacon candidates must have demonstrated panache in directing the affairs of their households, keeping their children in check with wise counsel and discipline, while remaining totally devoted to their wives. In verses 12-13, similar Greek words for “beautiful” or “good” are used three times (good, well, high). I think of a masterful symphony conductor whose flowing direction itself is a work of art, as is the music that ensues.

There is a popular saying, “It’s all good.” For a faithful and loyal servant of Christ in his church, it is. On top of that, in the end, he obtains great boldness and confidence in the Lord, because he has witnessed first hand the response of the people to simple acts of love, i.e. service. Help someone meet basic needs and for some reason (obedience), you never feel closer to Jesus, because you are his hands and feet.

And it should be said that if one is “faithful in the little things” (Matthew 25:21), you are ready and waiting to be used for things “greater than these” (John 14:12). Like Stephen, one minute waiting on tables, and the next delivering perhaps the most powerful sermon ever preached. Like Philip, one minute collecting dirty dishes, and the next whisked away by the Spirit to the chariot of the Ethiopian enuch to share the gospel.