Filled Up

“They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 6:5

What five things are you most full of? The list of possibilities is lengthy, but since what’s inside is what splashes out, we need to make sure we’ve got a good mix. The life of Stephen provides a compelling and convincing litmus test.

As the number of Christ-followers increased, the apostles realized they couldn’t oversee both the spiritual and physical needs of the congregation, so they recommended that seven men be chosen to care for the widows. Stephen, “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit”(Acts 6:5) was first on the list. To be eligible, one had to be “full of the Spirit and of wisdom”(Acts 6:3), so within two verses, we’ve discovered three ingredients—God’s Spirit, wisdom, and faith. But there’s always room for more good. Acts 6:8 tells us that “Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people,” and our “Fab 5” is complete—God’s Spirit, wisdom, faith, grace, and power. These five things filled Stephen’s life and spilled out onto those around him through his words, actions, and attitudes.

Lest you think this list is currently unattainable, listen up. When you believed the good news of Jesus, God gave you His Spirit (Eph. 1:13) to guide you, teach you, and help you. Wisdom is yours in Christ(1 Cor. 1:30) and is there for the asking(James 1:5). God’s gift of faith which enabled you to receive His life(Eph. 2:8) grows through knowing His Word(Rom. 10:17) and by going through trials(1 Pet. 1:7). God grants you grace and “more grace”(James 4:6), and you find grace for your needs when you pray(Heb. 4:16). And God’s “incomparably great power”(Eph. 1:19) works in you(Eph. 3:20) and through you(2 Pet. 1:3) to shield you, strengthen you, and save you. God’s Spirit, wisdom, faith, grace, and power. All yours. All available. All the time.

Our lives are full of many things, but we are only fulfilled when we are filled with God things.
What are you full of?