Ephesians 2:1-9
2 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body[a] and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.[b] 4 But[c] God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
I had a great conversation recently with a friend who was approached about being a deacon. He felt “unworthy” of even being asked to serve in this capacity. It lead me to wonder what really makes a deacon candidate worthy?
The Bible is clear in a deacon’s characteristics: “Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons” (1 Tim. 3:8-13). Also, deacons should be “full of the Spirit and wisdom.” (Acts 6:3).
It is quite clear when someone displays these characteristics and when someone does not. But as for being worthy, no one is worthy apart from Jesus. No one is righteous. All have turned aside. We were dead in our transgressions and very much un-worthy to be called children of God. “BUT God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ-by grace you have been saved in Christ Jesus…through faith….it is not your own doing…so that no one may boast!” (vv. 4-9)
When we think we are worthy because of our works, we become boastful. But when we put our faith in Jesus, we must remember that we are HIS workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. For my friend, the question is not one of worthiness, but workmanship. God either created him to be a deacon, or he created him for some other good works - either way, my friend, like all of us, must walk in them.
Dear God,
Thank you for saving us and bringing us from death to life. Help us to take part in your great story of love, redemption and recreation by walking in the good works for which you have created us!
Pastor Ray is the Pastor of Worship and Administration at FBC Weslaco where he is blessed to be serve side by side with God’s workmanship for God’s Kingdom each and every day.