Imagine a Deacon

The module we are studying in TUMI now is entitled "Foundations for Christian Leadership." It lays out the qualifications for being an elder or deacon. They are to have impeccable character, be strong in wisdom, strong in faith, spiritually mature, eager to serve the church, and treat fellow church members as members of their own family.

As I meditate on these qualifications, the Spirit points out areas I still need to grow in. Too often when we're aggravated, what comes to mind is an image of how our old self would have responded. We curb the impulse but it's still a battle to move beyond some offenses. What we need is a dynamic mental image of how a true elder would respond. This module is helping me imagine that.

In my life I only knew two men who fitted this bill and neither of them were close enough for me to learn under, in my youth. My grandma's brother Jimmy stayed in Belize and her cousin John happened to stay in LA, but died when I was in the fifth grade. I used to look up to both of them, but after not seeing them for a while I got influenced by lesser images of manhood. So I can relate to how the youth make bad decisions and understand how much they need deacons and elders to step up to the plate and get involved in their lives.

The hight standard for the deaconate is inspiring me to step up and make more changes.