My Husband the Deacon

Back before Christmas J was elected as a deacon in our church. And last night he was officially ordained along with a good friend of ours, JC. J never really has seen this as a big accomplishment in life, but I am so proud of him. To me, being elected as a deacon means that others see him as a man of great character and strong faith. I'm just humbled by the fact that others see him the same way I do.

One of the requirements was that J give their testimony during the ordination service. I just love to hear his testimony. It gives me chills every time I hear it. And as he stood up there last night I was beaming from the front pew.

At the end of the service the pastor asked J and JC to kneel down on the floor in front of the altar as the other ordained men in the church came by and one by one laid hands on them and prayed over them. Now some of you may think this is a silly or odd thing to do, but as I watched this take place I was in awe of the presence of God in that room.

Several of the deacons came by to shake mine and M's hands before they went back to their seats and offer their congratulations and prayers for our family. A few made little wise cracks about being a deacon's wife and now having to be on our best behavior. That had Mand me cracking up because J (and even a few close friends of ours) have teased me about the fact that I'm so outspoken and how that's not how a deacon's wife should act. But I do take the role of deacon's wife seriously, and I would never do anything that might jeopardize his credibility as a church leader.

1 Timothy 3: 8-13 spells out quite clearly how a deacon and wives of deacons should act:

8 Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.

9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.

10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

11 In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.

12 A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well.

13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

Deacons are not any higher than anyone else in the church. They aren't more special, and they are not entitled to any special priviledges. They are not perfect. They are to be servants of others. They are to set examples of how people ought to conduct themselves.

J has always been such a humble person which is why I think he doesn't see the role of deacon as a big deal. He was taught to act in a respectable, trustworthy and honorable way every day of his life so the fact that he's now a deacon will not alter how he lives from day to day.

But despite the fact that he doesn't understand, I'm still so proud of him.