Are You A ‘Stephen’? – Part 1

This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. Acts 6:5

The New Testament church grew so fast that the administrative aspect of it became overwhelming. The apostles weren’t getting enough time to pray and study the Scriptures, so they picked seven men to handle the business side of things. Stephen was one of them. For the next few days let’s examine his qualifications: financial integrity. ‘…Seek out from among you seven men of good reputation…whom we may appoint over this business’ (v. 3). Now, it goes without saying that if you’re going to handle the church’s finances, you must first have a proven track record in handling your own. That calls for saving, sowing and spending wisely. It also means putting God first in your finances. Here’s a biblical question you need to think about: ‘Will a man rob God?’ Apparently, yes. God said, ‘…You have robbed Me! But you say, ”In what way have we robbed You?” In tithes and offerings’ (Malachi 3:8). Maybe you’re thinking, ‘Uh-oh, here comes the commercial!’ No, tithing isn’t a matter of money, but of priorities. God owns everything – you cannot give Him something if it is His already. How are you using what is His – to do His will or your will? When it comes to leadership in God’s work, if you’re not 10% behind it, how can you be 100% behind it? It’s like going into partnership with God. He promises to ‘…pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it’ (Malachi 3:10).

Prayer
Heavenly Father, Help me honor Your will when it comes to what You have entrusted me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen