Appreciating Our Leaders

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. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “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 of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.

(Acts 6.1–6 ESV)

As the church grew, the needs of individuals were great. One group of widows found themselves being neglected in the daily distribution of food and physical necessities. To better meet the needs of everyone, the Apostles asked the church to select seven men who would oversee this work. These were to be men of good reputation. They were to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. Such qualities would have already been demonstrated before their appointment and were a natural result of each man’s dedication to Christ.

As you go about your day today, please take a few moments and give thought to the leaders within your congregation. Pray for the elders. They have been charged with the care and protection of your soul. Say a prayer for each one of the deacons. These are men who have dedicated themselves to serving God by serving others. There are many works they engage in that go on behind the scenes. Encourage them by letting them know you are praying for them and offer your help in their work. When the church functions together as a team, brotherly love and spiritual growth will be the natural result, 6.7.

Read through the New Testament During 2011!

February Reading Schedule

Read all the Minute in the Word Devotionals

Read Acts 6

Brief Outline of Acts 6