Acts 6:1-5
In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and ministry of the word. This proposal pleased the whole group.
It is now March and most Lifegroups are starting up Discipleship Level 2: Grow Character. There are testimonies coming in that new people are joining, people are committed, and most importantly people are growing in their faith and maturing in the Lord. Things are looking pretty good!
In my quiet time, the Lord highlighted this chapter to me:
…number of disciples was increasing…
The early church was also experiencing amazing things! They were growing, what a great reason to celebrate. Things were looking pretty good!
Yet immediately following this:
…complained…
There came a complaint. There were still problems! It had nothing to do with theology, nothing to do with music, it came down to complaints in human interaction – ie. relationship.
From what I have gathered from the past is that there are often 2 paths available when faced with conflict.
First: Walk Away
This is probably the path most taken. It is so easy to be offended and walk away. In the world today so many things divide: vaccine or no vaccine? Liberal or Conservative? Mask or no mask? Lockdown or Open Up? The list goes on and on. The world is teaching us that differences means division.
Second: Make a way
Come together, despite differences, and rely on the Holy Spirit to give wisdom to solve the problem. It can be so infuriating and frustrating sitting across someone who sees something so different then yourself. Yet – by the grace and power of the Holy Spirit – He can make a way.
The disciples reasoned together and the result was: This proposal pleased the whole group
Here at Lifespring, even as we grow – I guarantee you we will face challenges. As a leadership we may miss some things, we will make mistakes along the way, someone in your Lifegroup will say something that offends you, your Lifegroup leader may have forgotten to call on you to share… whatever it is – I guarantee there will be challenge.
My prayer is that we will be people of maturity. We will be people who choose to “Make a Way”, instead of of “Walk Away”.