“This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.” Acts 6:5-6 (NIV)
Ask any actor what their two main fears are and you will most likely receive the reply – the fear of being out of a job and the fear of being typecast. As much as possible, all actors want to act and be paid for a job well done, but they dislike being associated with playing a particular character if it would significantly overshadows their array of talents. The tendency to ‘typecast’ or lump people together irrespective of their levels of talents runs in every human enterprise simply because it makes things easy for us. This problem often becomes acute where there are limited opportunities for progress as it was in the early church. It was evident that there was a glut of talent and that the Apostles were at a loss as to what to do with them. So when a crisis arose, they got the best people available to do the job. The only problem was that these were a crop of highly talented men who were in reality too good and consequently over qualified for the job they were given to do. Yet, they did what was asked of them, but crucially did not restrict themselves to just that. They did not allow their present situation to constrict their vision of the future or inhibit their capabilities to respond to greater future needs. So, what lessons can we learn from their lives? They are as follows:
1. As the bible enjoins, whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might. Understand that you were saved to serve, hence do all you can to advance God’s kingdom objective. Promotion to greater responsibilities rests with God. He is watching and in due time will reward your effort. Do not despise the days of small beginnings or God’s greater opportunities might quietly pass you by.
2. Don’t let the present lack of opportunities hinder your effort at or absolve you of the responsibility for your personal development. Keep improving yourself for the opportunity that God is bound to swing your way, because He is always faithful.
3. Don’t allow people to typecast or pigeon hole you, because more often than not they are wrong. Aspire to be the best God made you to be and pursue your vision.
4. Understand that even when your face doesn’t fit in, you are not a freak of nature. God made you the way you are because of what He intends to do through you.
5. It may not be apparent, but things seldom remain the same. So, even if present conditions do not seem conducive, understand that your time will come and you will be able to spread your wings and fly as God intended because God will cause all things to work together for your good. God will either change the conditions and make them conducive or move you to a place He has prepared for you.
6. We all live under the same sky, but see different horizons. Of the seven deacons, Stephen and Philip distinguished themselves. The bible revealed nothing further about the remaining five, so we may assume that the first two had higher horizons than the latter five although lumped together with the rest. God’s anointing always differentiates the best from the rest, and lastly
7. However large the milk bottle, the cream always rises to the top. Understand that no force or person can hold you down if God has destined you to rise to the top.
Prayer:
Lord, you are the lifter of my head. Help me fulfil your purpose for my life. Amen.