Scripture: 1 Chronicles 15:22 Kenaniah the head Levite was in charge of the singing; that was his responsibility because he was skillful at it.

Observations: The Levite placed in charge of singing before the Ark (hence before the presence) of the Lord was evidently selected for this task, this leadership role, because of his skill. Could we assume it is biblical, even intelligent to have people doing what they’re skilled at? Could it be this is more important than tenure or relations? Does this mean we aren’t being unbiblical or ungraceful when we evaluate skill in relation to roles & responsibilities?

Application: Skill matters. This may be easier said & understood than applied in the context of the local church. It seems there are other considerations. Now, grated there are considerations of attitude, walk with God, Spirit control, etc. Skill is most certainly not the only issue, but this makes it obvious that it is an appropriate biblical criteria. Duh!

Prayer: Father, give me the wisdom and courage to use your biblical standards in your church. Amen!

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:13 (NIV) Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.

Observation: Interesting phrases: “service by which you proved yourselves” and “obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ.”  The specific “service” & “obedience” that he refers to here is financial giving.  So specifically this is about a demonstration of my faith & obedience to my Lord by giving.  Does that mean that an unwillingness or failure to give financially demonstrates the opposite?  It would seem to me that one should not avoid or ignore the specific context of this passage; however I think that it would be appropriate to also consider a wider application.  It is a reasonable thing to prove myself through service & demonstrate my confession of Christ with obedience.  An absence of service and obedience would seem to suggest at best a superficial faith and at worst lack of faith.

Application: I must seek to be faithfully giving as the Scripture commands and as God leads.  One should not be independent of the other.  I must also seek to live in such a way that my service to God and my obedience to God demonstrate a genuine faith.

Prayer: Father, remind me daily that you are worthy of all my service, all my obedience and all my giving.  May my life be a living example.  May I live in such a way to prove myself.  Amen