Introduction
“If I can’t be an elder, then I won’t be anything in the church!”
“If I can’t be a deacon, then I won’t be anything in the church!”
“If I can’t be the song-leader, then I won’t do anything else!”
“If I can’t teach the class I want to teach, then I won’t teach any class!”
“If I can’t be in charge of a program, then I won’t participate in any program!”

Pride
All of these things just mentioned speaks of pride interfering with our judgment.
We must be careful because the Bible warns what pride can do to us.
“Pride goes before a fall, and a haughty spirit before stumbling” Proverbs 16:18
Although we may not always get to do what we want to do, we should do what we can, when we can.
Notice some examples.

David
David did not get to do all he wanted. 1 Chronicles 28
He wanted to build a temple for God . . . But God would not let him.
The task was assigned to David’s Son, Solomon.
David could have said:
“If I can’t do all of the work, then I won’t do any of the work.”
“If I can’t build the temple, then I won’t make preparations for someone else to build it.”
“If I can’t build the temple . . . Then I won’t write any more Psalms”.

David
Instead, David did all that he could to make it easier for the one who would build it.
He was active in its planning stage.
He arranged alliances with kings of other nations for the supplying of needed materials.
He began to stockpile those needed materials.
David did what he could to help others accomplish the building of God’s temple.

The Demon Possessed Man
The demon-possessed man in Mark 5 did not get to do all he wanted to do.
Jesus healed him and that was good . . .
But then he expressed his desire to go with Jesus.
But Jesus said “no.”
No doubt the man was disappointed.

The Demon Possessed Man
He could have become angry.
He could have developed a negative attitude toward Jesus and His work.
He could have said, “Well, if I can’t travel with Jesus and help others then I will just mind my own business and not do anything.
Nonetheless, by his doing what Jesus told him to do rather than what he had asked to do, people marveled.
God knows what is best.

The Limited Commission
In Luke 10, Jesus selected seventy and sent them out with a limited commission.
How did the others feel who were not chosen to be sent out?
Did they feel like 2nd class servants because they were not chosen to go?
Did they become discouraged and turn back because they began to feel that they were not worthy to be chosen to be sent?
Did they develop the attitude that they could do a better job than the ones selected to go?

The Limited Commission
Did they feel selfish, hoping that the ones chosen would not succeed in their work?
Did they develop the attitude, “Since I wasn’t asked this time, I will not volunteer to do anything else.”?
They realized that Jesus is the Master and they were submissive to His will.
Jesus has work for all . . .
It just comes at different times.
God knows best!

The Seven Deacons
The church was growing when the first seven deacons were selected. Acts 6
Growth increases needs. Acts 6:1 – “Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.”
Christians in Jerusalem now numbered in the thousands.
Seven were chosen to serve on this occasion.
Many believe these to be the first deacons in the church.

The Seven Deacons
How did the other men feel who were not selected?
Did any of the women feel animosity that they were not even considered?
Thousands were not selected that day.
Did they stop serving because they were not appointed to the work?
Did they stop learning, pack up and head home because they were not selected?

The Seven Deacons
Did they sit back, watch, and wait, hoping to see the seven fail in their appointed tasks?
There is work for all, and the cooperation of all is needed.
We are not told if these seven were the only ones who served the tables.
Sometimes, the work of deacons involves getting others to do some of the work.

God knows best.
Those Chosen To Be Leaders
God has established specific qualifications for elders and deacons.
Not all men qualify for either role.
Some may qualify as a deacon but fail to qualify as an elder.

Those Chosen To Be Leaders
When elders (or deacons) are chosen:
Singles are eliminated . . . Not married.
Young men are eliminated . . . Not mature enough.
Childless men are eliminated . . . Not proven enough.
New converts are eliminated . . . Not developed enough.

Those Chosen To Be Leaders
Others who are not chosen for whatever reason should be:
Highly encouraging toward those appointed.
Strongly supportive of their efforts.
Openly complimentary of the eldership
Faithfully work with the elders for the advancement of the Master’s work among men.
It’s a question of who is in charge . . . God is! God knows best!

Other Examples
Not all are teachers. James 3:1 – “My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.”
Not all are elders—not qualified or no desire.
Not all are deacons—same reason.
Not all are preachers—not comfortable standing and preaching before others.

Other Examples
The five talent man did what he could with what he had. Matthew 25
The two talent man did what he could with what he had. Matthew 25
The poor widow gave 100% when she gave hew two mites. Mark 12
The young lad did what he could when he gave his five barley loaves and two small fish. John 6

Other Examples
Some of the great Biblical statements have to do with serving.
Isaiah - “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: "Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?" Then I said, "Here am I! Send me ." Isaiah 6:8
Samuel – “Speak, for Your servant hears." 1 Samuel 3:10
Woman with alabaster flask containing costly oil at Bethany. Mark 14:8 – “She has done what she could.”
The question becomes: “Lord, What do you want me to do.”
Sometimes lists are posted of things needing to be done.
If you do not see such a list, start one and get some input from others.

We Have A Problem In Today’s Church
Those who choose to do the work usually do not ask for help.
Partly because they are not sure if anyone is willing to help.
Partly because they are afraid of the rejection by others.
Another problem is that most who might be willing to help are afraid to ask what they might be able do for the church (and for Jesus).

Conclusion
And yet . . . We are all servants.
Not 2nd class citizens but 1st class servants.
Willing to do what we can to serve.
Willing to encourage others in their work as well.
Serving for the right reasons and for the common good of carrying out the Lord’s will on this earth.

By Carey Scott from an outline by Donnie S. Barnes