by Pastor Rich Carlson

Stephen was full of it—just like I want to be! According to the story of this first deacon, it is recorded that he was:  
        
Full of the Spirit (Acts 6:3,5)         
Full of wisdom (6:3)         
Full of faith (6:5)         
Full of grace (6:8)         
Full of power (6:8) 

The result, of being "full of it," is described in Acts chapters 6 and 7: The wise men of the temple could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by which he spoke (6:10); His face was like the face of an angel (6:15); He never "answered" accusations but only used their questions to point them to Jesus (7:1,2); He had the ability to explain the relationship between the history of the Bible and its application to current events (most of chapter 7); He had the ability, in the face of fatal adversity, to keep in view the face of Jesus (7:55); While being stoned to death, he could still pray (7:59); Like Jesus, his last dying breath contained words of forgiveness (7:60). 

I became convinced again today that there is a direct correlation between the two lists. Covering my life with a surface veneer of Christianity doesn’t accomplish much, and neither does a part-time connection with Christ. Being a genuine Christian is about being “full of it,” or shall I say, full of Him and the gifts of His Spirit. This experience will develop within me the same kind of focus, purpose, confidence, and connection to the Savior—in good and bad times—that Stephen had. I want to be full of Him. How about you? 

Rich Carlson is campus chaplain at Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska. "God is Faithful" is adapted from the email devotionals he writes regularly for the Union College family. Rich enjoys filling his life with God, his family, and especially his five grandchildren.