I had never heard the words ADMINISTRATION and sublimity in the same sentence until I read the quote above. Sublimity means there is excellence, grandeur, and a beauty that can inspire great admiration or awe. When we encounter someone who really knows how to properly execute ADMINISTRATION—the process or activity of running a business, organization, church; the management of public affairs; government; the action of dispensing, giving, or applying something...it is truly sublime.

We mainly hear the word administration when discussing politics. Perhaps that's why we neglect its Biblical and spiritual value. In Acts 6, Luke used ministration to describe the many vital and necessary functions needed for the burgeoning New Testament Church: e.g. dealing with finances, and distribution to the poor widows so the Apostles could focus on prayer and the study of the Word. The word minister (Greek diakonos - deacon) is someone who provides assistance, help, or care. Leading, serving, and governing a church is A LOT more than just preaching and singing. Pastors are chosen as much for their gifts of administration and supervision as they are for speaking or congeniality.

Administration is not only sublime, according to Paul, it's a gift of grace given by the Holy Spirit to some for the profit of the entire Body. "And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues." (1 Cor. 12:28) Montesquieu intimated that the one who administrates has to know how to gracefully wield and distribute their power: information, connections, governance, influence, resources (human, financial, in-kind), and abilities. They organize people, tasks and programs. If you are graced with a gift of administration, and you use it well...it is a glorious blessing to your family, church or organization. The gift of administration is often unrecognized because the ones who wield it with excellence and dexterity make things happen in orderly and undetectable ways. As a leader, you're just glad they're on your team. Thank you so much—you know who you are!