Cutting Off the Stampede

Scripture: Acts 6:2-3
"So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, 'It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task.'"

Cowboy Wisdom:
"When the herd bolts, you cut 'em off fast. A wise cowboy doesn't wait for the whole outfit to scatter before taking action."

The apostles could have handled this problem in several wrong ways:

• They could have ignored it (like the college boys who said the goat would just have to get used to the smell)

• They could have resented it and taken the criticism personally

• They could have overreacted (like the farmer who destroyed an acre of corn trying to kill one mouse)

Instead, they faced the problem head-on. They addressed it immediately, before it could fester like an open wound. They summoned everyone together and dealt with it openly and honestly.

Notice what they didn't do: they didn't try to do everything themselves. They recognized that the solution wasn't for the apostles to add food distribution to their already full plates. The solution was delegation and proper organization.

Every problem in the church gives us three opportunities:

1. Examine the effectiveness of our ministry

2. Exercise faith in the Lord and in each other

3. Express love in the way we work out the problem

If not well thought out, sometimes the solution can be more deadly than the problem. Take action quickly, but think it through carefully.

Questions for Reflection:

1. Do I tend to ignore problems, hoping they'll go away on their own?

2. When criticized, do I react defensively or receive feedback with humility?

3. Am I willing to examine whether our current methods are still effective, or do I resist change?

4. How can I express love even when addressing difficult issues?

Prayer Focus:
Pray for wisdom to address problems quickly but thoughtfully. Ask God to help you see challenges as opportunities for growth rather than threats to unity.