“Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task.” ~ Acts 6:3
There are requirements of those you select to lead. Notice the verse didn’t say select seven men who are gifted in administration or helps, etc. The gifting is never the qualification of those who lead. Their character, submission to the Lord’s spirit and resulting wisdom that they display are what qualified these men.
True leaders should always be selected primarily by their fruit and then by their giftedness, not the other way around. All too often, I think about my own ability to lead others and I think that I’m ill-equipped because I’m not a gifted speaker or boisterous leader. This is not God’s way of thinking, because my ability to lead is not rooted in my gifting but in my consistent walk with the Holy Spirit where the fruit of the Spirit is actively present.
Look at Moses. He argued with the Lord because he was trying to define his ability to lead others through his gifting instead of through his consistent pursuit of a loving God. He said "Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue." ~Exodus 4:10.
Gifting is important, but it’s not God’s criteria for choosing leaders. It’s their heart, their character, their displayed wisdom over time, it’s by the fruit of the Spirit and not the gifts of the Spirit.
Lord let my life be a consistent display of your fruit through a life surrendered to your leading!
~ Brent Roberts
President | Africa Freedom Mission