Morning Moments

1 Tim. 3:8-13
Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; [9] Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. [10] And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. [11] Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. [12] Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. [13] For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

If the pastor/bishop is a shepherd tending the flock of God, his closest companion is his "sheepdog". I use the term in reference to function. The relationship between shepherd and sheepdog is a very close relationship. Such should be the case between the pastor and deacons.

Deacons are to assist, not assert some "authority" they do not posses. In over 40 years of pastoring, I never had conflict with but 3 or 4 men who were "elected" by popularity, but did not have a spiritual bone in their bodies. If you are not demonstrating the fullness of the Holy Spirit in your life and fruit and faith as a result of that, you are not a deacon regardless of what you call yourself.

The word deacon is translated from the Greek "diakonos" which means "a waiter (as of tables) or an attendant", which is precisely why these men were chosen in the first place (Acts 6). Consider:

HIS REPUTATION - 3:8-10. He is to be a man of dignity. The word "grave" conveys the opposite of one who is proud and pompous. It is one who is dignified and honorable and who is worthy of respect for character not control, both in church and community.

If a deacon doesn't "deke", he ain't one - end of story. It is a place of service not sovereignty; of humility not haughtiness; of cooperation with the pastor, not control of him. I like to think of him this way: sheepdogs sometimes have to snip at the ankles of the sheep not to hurt them, but to herd them - to keep them from straying and to keep them staying with the flock. If the sheepdog begins snipping at the akles of the shepherd, he is useless and would be put away. This is common sense for those who have none.

I have NEVER known of a deacon run church to have God's continued blessing upon it. The relationship of pastor/deacon should be one of mutual respect. Remember truth supercedes tradition in any area. Historically, Baptists have been notorious in misunderstanding the role of deacons. I know of one church in my hometown where the deacons hire and fire pastors as they desire - it is dead! Let's continue -

Not only must he be a man of dignity, but he must be a man of discipline. His speech is consistent. The phrase "double tongued" means that he is not to say one thing to one person and something else to another with the purpose of misleading or deceiving. His yea must be yea and his nay must be nay. He is not to be a "takebearer".

I once had a deacon's wife approach me about a matter that was discussed confidentially in a deacon's meeting. I lovingly place my arm around her and said, "Dear sister, that is no concern of yours". She received it and the matter was settled. Sometimes people like to be "in the know" about things they have no business knowing.

So this man is to be one whose speech is consistent and whose speech is controlled.

BLESSINGS!