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." - Act 6:1 ESV
In Acts 6:1-7, we witness the early church grappling with growth and the challenges it brings. Growth, while often associated with discomfort, is a necessary part of life. Just as a butterfly struggles to emerge from its cocoon, so too must we confront the pain of transformation. The discomfort we feel during growth can be likened to a company that must tear down its old structures to build something greater. This kind of pain, though challenging, is often essential for progress.
The apostles found themselves stretched thin, no longer able to dedicate sufficient time to both ministering God's word and ensuring the fair distribution of aid to the Greek-speaking widows among the congregation. With their priority being spiritual nourishment through diligent prayer and Bible study, the twelve apostles realized something had to give. Rather than abandoning essential duties, they exhibited the wisdom for which Christian leadership is known, coming up with a balanced solution.
The apostles decided to appoint seven godly men "full of the Spirit and of wisdom" to oversee the daily distribution of food, thereby freeing the apostles to focus on prayer and preaching. This illustrates a vital principle: in our lives, we must prioritize what truly matters, delegating tasks that can be handled by others. As politician Robert Kennedy said, "Every society gets the kind of criminal it deserves. What is equally true is that every community gets the kind of peace force it demands." By delegating logistical responsibilities appropriately, tranquility was restored to the church so it could thrive.
Through prudent distribution of labor according to spiritual gifts, abundance followed. "The word of God increased; the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith," reports Acts 6:7. Where unity and order prevail, so does blessing. As preacher Charles Spurgeon put it, "God works by means." The early church's means of multiplication through sharing responsibilities and mobilizing the community beautifully illustrated this truth.
In summary, pain associated with growth is a good kind of pain. And there is available wisdom for our use on how to deal with it. Dealing with the pains associated with growth involves acknowledging discomfort, seeking support, and adopting a learning mindset. By embracing these strategies, we can turn the challenges of growth into opportunities for personal and communal development.
