Lesson 81 – When the Spirit Has a Reputation

Acts 6:3

"Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business."

    As the Scriptures record the church's formal appointment of seven men to the office of deacon, we're told they were to seek out those of a "good reputation." The church was to appoint men who two things filling their lives – the Holy Spirit and wisdom.

    Most of us wouldn't have linked the concept of a good reputation with the Spirit's touch. Instead, when we think of a good reputation, we consider what people have to say about us in general, or what others say about our technical or professional skills, talents, or intelligence. We directly link our reputations with the thoughts of others.

    As with many other things, our way of thinking doesn't exactly line up with God's ways. Our Lord links a good reputation not with what others think about us, but with being filled with the Holy Spirit. This makes sense when you consider that the Spirit is the seat of God's wisdom, so those who are filled with the Spirit are directly linked to our God's ways.

    Acts 6:5 tells us the early church obeyed, choosing men of the Holy Spirit and full of faith. No surprise there. When a believer lives according to faith, the Spirit is free to control all aspects of our lives, and God's reputation will come through. Others will see the Lord in those of faith, for the Spirit will come shining through.

    May our prayers be that the Lord would help us see a good reputation the way our God sees it, and may we seek the filling of the Spirit so that the church has a good reputation before the world.

LORD JESUS

Lord, I thank you for the wisdom of the Spirit. In my life, may you fill me so that your reputation is known throughout my world. Amen.