Morning Moments

As we move toward a conclusion to our consideration of Spiritual Directives for Servants Deportment and Demeanor let us be reminded that these are not REQUESTS, but REQUIREMENTS.

Consider The Deacon's Responsibility. [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.

Many men can lead in finance, politics, education and business, but lose their own families in the process. The church leader is not to be such a man.

His Responsibility for His Companion.

In the first place, she must be dignified, as seen in the word "grave". The word conveys the idea of one who is worthy of respect. Certainly it is not asking too much for a deacon's wife to be worthy of respect. What God requires of her husband He requires of her. The classical Greek word was used in terms of revering someone.

She is required to be Disciplined, as seen in the words, "not sladerers" and "sober". There are two specific ideas covered here. The first is her speech. She is not to be a malicious talker. She is not to be a gossiper. As with all true believers, she is to be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger. Sometimes there are things that just should not be repeated in any way, shape, or form.

The second area of discipline for her is the discipline of spirit, as seen in the use of the word "sober". If her husband is not to be "given to wine", surely she should not be either. She is to be restrained and temperate. It would negate his influence and testimony if she were intemperate and unrestrained. He and she are to live and work as one and be faithful.

We shall consider the final verse of qualifications or requirement tomorrow, God willing.

BLESSINGS!