The Payoff for Faithful Service
Scripture: Acts 6:7
"The word of God kept on spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith."
Cowboy Wisdom:
"Sweat in the saddle pays off at the auction. When everyone does their part, the whole outfit prospers."
Notice the beautiful results when the church handled this problem biblically:
Unity was restored – The proposal pleased the whole multitude
Everyone got involved – Seven godly men stepped up to serve
The Word spread – The gospel kept advancing
The church multiplied – Growth continued and even accelerated
Unexpected conversions – Even many priests came to faith
The words "spread" and "multiplied" are in the imperfect tense—meaning it was continuous action. The resolution of this conflict didn't just get things back to normal; it launched the church into an even greater season of growth.
Here's the principle: when we handle problems with wisdom, humility, and unity, God blesses the outcome beyond what we could imagine. The devil meant it for evil, but God used it for good.
The question for each of us is simple: In our daily lives, are we part of the problem or part of the solution? Are we griping or serving? Are we dividing or uniting? Are we spectating or participating?
A healthy herd needs every cowboy doing their job. When problems get handled the right way, the whole outfit benefits and the mission succeeds.
Questions for Reflection:
Can I point to times when God brought good out of difficult situations in my church?
What would it look like for me to move from being "part of the problem" to "part of the solution"?
How has my involvement (or lack thereof) affected the health and growth of my church?
What "great harvest" might God be waiting to bring if we handle our current challenges with wisdom and unity?
Prayer Focus:
Thank God for the privilege of being part of His church. Commit to being a unifier, a servant, and a faithful contributor to your church family. Pray for your church leadership as they navigate challenges and make difficult decisions. Ask God to use even your church's problems as opportunities for greater Kingdom impact.
