Today’s Reading: Acts 4:32-37, 6:1-7; Psalm 78

But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.

So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program.” – Acts 6:1-2

This was an important leadership moment for the Twelve. Wonderful things were happening and the number of believers was growing quickly. Generosity was evidenced by the way everyone was sharing what they had and taking care of the needy. What a great season in the life of the early church! But as they grew, it was evident that they needed to put processes in place, as well as assign leadership over various areas of the ministry. The daily distribution of food was a really important role, but it was not the role the Twelve had been called to fulfill.

DOING GOOD SHOULD NOT DISTRACT US FROM WHAT GOD HAS CALLED US TO DO.

The disciples had received specific instructions from Jesus before he ascended into heaven, and they were determined to do what Jesus had told them to do. Jesus had asked Simon Peter if he loved Jesus more than any of the others, and Peter enthusiastically declared his love for Jesus. This interaction repeated itself two more times, each time ending with instructions. “Then feed my lambs…Then take care of my sheep…Then feed my sheep” (John 21:15-17). Allow the love you have for me to represent it in your compassion for others.

There was another moment when Jesus gave his disciples a clear calling. While worshipping the Lord on the mountain, Jesus commissioned the disciples to their new purpose in life:

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:18-20

The disciples had received the call to go and make disciples, to baptize the new believers, and to teach them to obey all the commands they had received from the Lord. This was their mission and it took great focus to keep from drifting to new causes and worthwhile purposes. How could they make sure the flock was being fed and cared for while remaining focused on their call to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ?

This is a common issue for us today. We hear the words “mission drift” often in the church and in non-profits. There are so many good things that need to be done, but we have to be careful to keep the main thing the main thing. The church needs to find clarity on what helps us accomplish the mission to which the congregation has been called. What is the Lord calling us to be and to do in our community? Is the next great idea helping us accomplish the mission for which we exist or is it causing us to drift away from the Great Commission to which Jesus has called all of us?

So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.”

Everyone liked this idea, and they chose the following: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (an earlier convert to the Jewish faith). These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them.

So God’s message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too. – Acts 6:2-7

WHEN WE KNOW THE MISSION TO WHICH WE HAVE BEEN CALLED, WE CAN ACCOMPLISH WHAT JESUS HAS ASKED US TO DO.

Clarity around our calling provides the lens with which we plan our day, our week, our year. What is God calling me to give my life to? Is that calling obvious in my calendar? Where is my focus and how am I spending my energy? Is there something I am responsible for that is preventing someone else from giving their “yes” to the Lord?

Lord, open my ears and speak words of direction into my heart. Open my eyes and give me a renewed focus on the calling you have placed on my life. Thank you for choosing me, even though I am unworthy of this opportunity to be used by you in the life of someone else. Fill me with your Spirit and be glorified through your power at work in me. May my heart reflect the desires of yours so that I can care well for others and lead with excellence. Amen.

He chose his servant David,
calling him from the sheep pens.
He took David from tending the ewes and lambs
and made him the shepherd of Jacob’s descendants—
God’s own people, Israel.
He cared for them with a true heart
and led them with skillful hands. – Psalm 78:70-72