Bible Reading: Esther 7-10; Acts 6
“But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.”- Acts 6:4 KJV
As the church grew in the book of Acts, so did the needs of the new believers increased. “And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.” – Acts 6:1. The early church was encountering major problems that accompanies growth and if they wavered on their priorities, we might not have heard about the massive growth of those early days and the impact of the gospel. We must maintain the priority of prayer and the Word of God as the apostles did to address such kind of issues in any assembly of God’s people.
Any time a church, or fellowship of the brethren grows, this issues always happens. If that growth is to continue, certain things needs to be appropriated and prioritised. The Apostles knew that their primary mission was to teach the Word of God. Serving others, distribution of meals to the needy, was a very important and necessary task, but it was not a part of their primary ministry. So they appointed others to fill this need. In this way, serving could be done more efficiently and the Apostles could in turn spend their time focusing on their primary purpose.
Some of the challenges so many churches and ministries encounter today are in areas of priority in service. One man, or a small group of leaders are trying to do everything themselves. Their hearts mean well, but would not give attention to what really matters or prioritise their focus and delegate, hence stretching themselves in too many directions. There are far too many things on their calendar, thereby most things are not done with excellence. It is far better, and more effective for the kingdom, to do one or two things with excellence that will impact the lives of God’s people than to bounce between a dozen ministries or events with uncertainties. “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:” – Hebrews 12:28
Wherever we find ourselves in the place of ministry, we must be willing to give attention to what really matters to God and that will in turn bless others. We must consciously work towards efficient service with joyfulness of heart “Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.” – Psalm 100:2
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” – Colossians 3:16
As we are opportune to serve in any growing ministry the Lord is leading us to, we should have the joy of others being effectively part of it in other to focus on continual prayers and study of God’s word.
Prayer: Father, I receive grace to always focus on your needful in my life in Jesus Name.
Pastor Alfred Samuel