They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
- 1 Timothy 3:10
deacons = diakoneo
definition: to attend to anything, that may serve another's interests
"first be tested": Dr. David Guzik explains this passage by saying "A man demonstrates his fitness for office in the church by his conduct. Deacons and bishops are more recognized than appointed.(italics mine)"
There is no argument that the office of deacon is honorable, but let's not think this is the result of a popularity contest. This is a high responsibility, and the deacon might be involved in areas as diverse as the budget for a building, the final details of a missionary trip, or the decision of how many more cribs to get for the nursery.
The point I'm making here is that the man's testimony determines his qualifications. His character and his history...it's not how a man looks, it's how a man acts...and reacts to the trials of life.
Think about it.
