Serve With Excellence

Have you ever been asked to SERVE in any capacity? Were you happy, sad, pumped up or did SERVING put you in a bad mood?

The early church had a challenge in Acts 6 that created an OPPORTUNITY for others to SERVE others with excellence.

Acts 6:1-6

1But as the believers[a] rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.

2 So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. 3 And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. 4 Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.”

5 Everyone liked this idea, and they chose the following: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (an earlier convert to the Jewish faith). 6 These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them.

The Challenge (Acts 6:1)

• We read in Acts 6:1 that the church was growing rapidly and it caused some growing pains. 
• The Greek speaking believers complained that some of their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.

The Solution (Acts 6:2-5)

• A meeting was scheduled by the twelve leaders to SEEK GOD and find a SOLUTION to the challenge. 
• They agreed to find seven men who would be responsible for MANAGING the food program for the widows. 
• Acts 6:3 lists three qualities for these men.

Here are three qualities we need to serve people with excellence:

1. Be respected and of sound character 

• The bible says God looks on the heart and not the outward appearance of a person. 
• Sometimes we’ll recruit people to serve based on the outward appearance, for polished individuals. 
• We need to pray and seek the Lord for people who have the attitude and qualities of a servant.

2. Be full of the Spirit 

• A big key to serving other’s well is being full of God’s presence. 
• I love that it’s being full of the spirit and not pride; self; or serving to get something.

3. Full of wisdom 

• Wow! God fill me with your wisdom to help me serve others and my church well!!!!
• Stephen was one of the seven chosen to serve. 
• Everyone liked this idea, and they chose: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch. 
• These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them. Acts 6:5-6

Results of serving with excellence

• And the message of God kept on SPREADING, and the number of disciples MULTIPLIED greatly in Jerusalem; and [besides] a large number of the priests were obedient to the faith [in Jesus as the Messiah, through Whom is obtained eternal salvation in the kingdom of God]. Acts 6:7

How can you do a better job of serving your church, your community, your family, your company, and others with EXCELLENCE?

Here’s a tip. Start small, and start today. 

Do something and SERVE PEOPLE with excellence.