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Cross Words: Spirit Filled Soup Servers
If you wanted a job working in the kitchen or visiting lonely widows during the early church days you had better have sent in an impressive resume.  The primary qualifications, according to the book of Acts, were “to be full of the Spirit and wisdom” (6:3).  Spiritual slackers with a low Bible IQ need not apply!
So what gives, or gave as the case may be?  Did someone really need a PHD in theology to hold a ladle or pull up a chair to have a chat?  Weren’t they looking for some folks a little too overqualified?  Surely anyone who took the position would have put in their two week notice just as soon as a better job became available. 
The individuals with the “lowliest” jobs in the church most often find themselves on the front lines of battle.  It is most often the hungry, the poor, the disenchanted who are ripe to hear and respond to the Gospel.  Outwardly as well as inwardly their lives are in turmoil.  They are looking for more than clothes or bread or cash.  They are looking for someone who cares. Knowingly or not, they are looking for God.
Jesus was well aware that the way to a person’s heart was through their stomach, or any other body part for that matter.  He served up loaves and fishes to thousands before serving up the “bread of life.”  He ladled out a cold drink  to an admitted adulterer before offering her “living water.”  He healed the body of a Roman centurion’s servant before he healed the hearts of the entire household.  He removed leprosy from an afflicted man before he removed his sin.
What was Jesus’ M.O.?  Meet a physical need then meet a spiritual need.
Those who take positions in the church serving others take up the highest calling.  They should be the best and the brightest that the church has to offer. For they are serving up more than a bowl of soup.  They are serving up the Gospel.

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