Jump Start # 3905
Acts 6:4 “But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
As I write this, a group of men are here at the church building painting the outside walls. We had a water leak and some repairs that were necessary. They are putting the final touches on the fixed walls by painting it. They are out painting and I’m inside typing. Ought I be outside painting? I’ve painted many walls in my life. I could go and help them, but my plate is overflowing with all the work that needs to be done this Monday. I have a lesson to finish up for a meeting in a week. I am about to begin some new classes on Tuesday and I need to get the material ready and go over it myself. We have an important shepherds and deacons meeting that I am to speak at this coming week. Then there is the Wednesday class on questions. Then there is a sermon for Sunday.
I could go paint, but the guys out there painting can’t do what I am doing. And, that is the heart of what happens in Acts 6, our passage today. There was a problem, a complaint. Some of the widows were being neglected. The apostles told the church to choose seven godly men to put in charge of this task. Now, might one think that feeding widows was beneath the duties of an apostle? Were they too good to do that? Not at all. The washing of feet, taught by the Lord, instilled the idea of being a servant. However, no one could do what the apostles were doing. Peter could have brought food, but who would do what Peter was doing? Only the apostles could do the work of an apostle.
When there is a work day down at the church building, I’ll go. I’ll spend a day helping out. But there are times when I need to be in my office doing what I’m capable of doing and what others cannot. And, this is an element that many do not get these days.
Far too many places have elders doing what deacons ought to be doing and the preacher ends up doing what the elders ought to do. Each needs to stay in their lane and understand that they are gifted and chosen to do a specific work and do that. There was a time earlier in my life when I would have felt guilty for sitting in my office when others were outside doing things. I would get up and join them. But, I’ve come to realize that no one will do what I have to get done.
Here are some thoughts:
First, it is healthy and helpful to allow others to get involved in doing things. A couple of us could have painted the wall today. It would have been done and few if any would have said anything. But the way it is, several are pitching in and it gives them a sense of ownership and belonging knowing that they were needed and they could add something to what we are doing.
We’ve heard the stats that say 20% do the work and 80% do nothing. Could it be that the 20% won’t include, invite or allow others to be part of the work that they are doing? Maybe more would pitch in if they were asked.
Second, we are all gifted and have talents given to us by the Lord. Find what you are good at. Few can do everything. I have the gift of writing. I’ve been doing this for a long time. I don’t understand the mechanics of how something I write gets to you. I know there is email, internet, Facebook, websites and all those wonderful things, but I don’t have a clue as to how they work. And, when I have a hiccup in electronics, there are certain people here that I reach out to. They understand what I don’t. Do I feel guilty or ashamed that they know and can do things that I cannot? No. I have my gifts and they have their gifts. Together, like a team, we work in unison. The quarterback isn’t very good at blocking. And, the lineman isn’t very good at passing the ball. But together, beautiful things happen.
The widows in Acts 6 were taken care of. The apostles continued to preach. The kingdom was continuing to grow as the seventh verse tells us.
Third, there were willing hearts to help with the need in Acts 6. Had no one stepped up, the apostles would probably have to take care of this and the work that they were doing would have stopped. And, sometimes this is the very reason why elders spend so much time doing things around the building because no one else will step up. Developing a heart of a servant is important to impress upon the congregation.
What can I do for the kingdom? How can I help out?
While they are painting, I’m typing. They are using their hands to beautify the building and I’m using my hands to teach and encourage others. Together we are getting things done. It’s not a contest about which is more important. It’s not about who gets the most praise after this. It’s about doing what we can to help out.
The seven fed while the apostles taught. Great lesson for us today.
Roger