Keeping focus!
Scripture reading for May 13: Acts 6
“Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the Word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word.” Acts 6:1-4
The early church grew quickly and brought growth pains to the church leadership. There were needs among widows and different nationalities felt that there was favoritism and neglect. To solve the problem, the disciples and other leaders gathered together to find a solution. The head of the ‘Twelve’, most likely Peter, stated that preaching the Word and prayer must have priority from apostolic leadership. The recommendation was to pick from the many disciples seven men of good reputation who were filled with the Holy Spirit and wisdom. These men would be assigned to take care of all the widows and report back on the progress.
It is not always easy to keep focus as a disciple of Jesus. Many good works present themselves and compete for our attention. People with needs can be demanding and stir up strife. Compassion for hurting people is the heart of Jesus and we are to minister without partiality. But those in leadership must make wise choices in the use of their time. Prayer is an absolute priority for effective use of time. Ministry of the Word is the calling of pastors, prophets, evangelists, teachers and apostles. Others with the calling to serve should be empowered to use their gifts in these needy areas of ministry.
Have you ever had to wrestle with your calling and the use of your time? What kind of priorities have you set up to keep your focus on the calling you have from the Lord? What place does prayer have in your life on a daily basis? Are you called to minister God’s Word?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your calling to me to preach Your Word and pray. It is comforting to know that there are others in Your family who have different gifts and talent to do compassion ministry and help. Give me the Holy Spirit and wisdom to set godly priorities based on my calling. Amen.
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