The key mark of our faith that is visible to others is love. Do we love the Lord, and does that love manifest itself in love for our fellow human beings? This is the essence of the two greatest commandments that Jesus identified. A living faith is a loving faith; the love of God cannot truly be in our heart if it's not being practically displayed to others.
In a very real way, each of us is called to be a deacon – that is, a servant – in Christ's Church. Every follower of Jesus is called to serve. Even our Savior Himself served others; He was the Chief Deacon, not a ruler or a tyrant.
We must remember that we are not saved because of our "good works." Rather, such works will be a natural fruit that flows out as a beneficial effect of our being saved.
When considering the election of a deacon in the Church, we ought to look for someone who whole-heartedly loves the Lord – because then they will also love their neighbor, not love money, hate slander, manage their family well, etc. (1 Tim. 3:8-13). We want to elect someone who has been tested and seen to love God and their neighbor. |
