One of the precepts of business and
leadership is that, to be successful, we need to keep the main thing the main
thing. In other words, “Don’t get
distracted by the many other things calling for your attention. Focus on your objective and do it.”
The focus of the Apostles’ was being
challenged in Acts 6. A conflict arose
along racial lines, and the charge was laid that the Jewish widows were better
taken care of than the widows from other nationalities. When this came to the Apostles’ attention
they made a wise judgment, “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 … whom we will
appoint to this duty. But we will devote
ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” They could have said it this way, “We’re
called to preach, teach, pray, and spread the Gospel. We cannot be distracted from this
calling. However, love for these widows
requires that they be properly cared for.
So, let’s find someone that we can empower to take care of them.”
Care for the hungry, the downtrodden,
the voiceless, the sick, and the needy is important stuff for the church to be involved
with; indeed, be leaders in! Having
experienced the love of God in Jesus’ life death and resurrection, we have
moved into the kingdom of God and we reflect His love to others. (1
John 3:16) This kind of care for
others is fruit from the Holy Spirit’s work in and among us.
That being said, care for the hungry and
such ministries are not the main thing.
I know that sounds counterintuitive; maybe even heretical. Nonetheless, it is true. The main thing is that God has reconciled
sinners (aka you, me, and all who will believe) to Himself through Jesus’ death
and resurrection. That is the hope for
all people: rich or poor, hungry or
overfed. God’s people must never lose
sight of that or forget our focus.
Then, focused on the Gospel, we go out
and love our neighbor for Jesus’ sake.
Then we will have opportunities to share the hope that is within
us.
Lord Jesus, help me understand how great
Your love is for me that You’d die for me, and help me to reflect Your love to
my neighbor. Amen.
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