Do you want to be a servant of God? Are you trustworthy? Do others respect you? Will you pursue and hold onto the deep truths of faith?
The Greek word for deacon, diakonos, literally means “to wait on tables.” In our society today, a person who waits on tables does not necessarily command a lot of respect, although some do. However, in the first century, only the wealthy had such servants. Those servants had to be trustworthy. They were respected by those who employed them. After all, they often tasted the food before it was put before their employer.
In the New Testament, the term deacon is used to identify someone who is well respected and who is trustworthy to carry the message of Christ to others. Carrying the message does not mean they were preachers. In fact, they almost never preached. They carried the message through service to others, being the hands and feet of Christ to those in need.
The deacon also serves alongside the overseer or elder, often carrying out supporting efforts. In the case of Phoebe, she was serving with Paul and carrying out his orders by delivering his letter to the church in Rome. She was on one of the most important missions of the New Testament era being entrusted with Paul’s message.
I pray we all conduct ourselves in such a way as to be trustworthy. I pray we are respected for our behavior and attitudes toward the children of God. I pray each of us seek to hold the deep truths of faith. Be trustworthy. Seek respect. Seek to maintain respect. Keep hold of the deep truths of faith. Have clear conscience.
1 Timothy 3:8-10 In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
Marty Pressey 