Everyone Plays a Part
The Power of Change: Embracing Your Role in God's Kingdom
Change is an inevitable part of life, and it's often uncomfortable. Whether it's outgrowing clothes as a child, repotting plants as they expand, or transitioning through different life stages, growth requires adaptation. This principle holds true not just in our physical lives, but in our spiritual journeys as well.
As followers of Christ, we're called to continual growth and transformation. Sometimes, God asks us to change certain aspects of our lives to facilitate this growth. It can be tempting to resist, comfortable in our current state. However, refusing to change often results in spiritual stagnation. The choice is ours: embrace change and continue growing, or remain static and halt our spiritual progress.
This concept of growth through change isn't limited to individuals; it applies to organizations and churches too. As communities of faith expand, they must evolve to accommodate new members and meet increasing needs. The early church, as described in the book of Acts, provides a perfect example of this principle in action.
In Acts 6, we see the rapidly growing early church facing a significant challenge. As the number of disciples increased, a complaint arose from the Hellenistic Jews that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. The apostles, who had been managing all aspects of the church, realized they had reached their capacity. They couldn't continue preaching the word of God effectively while also managing the practical needs of the community.
This situation presents us with three key elements to consider: the problem, the solution, and the result.
The Problem: Limited Capacity
The apostles hit a ceiling in their ability to serve. They were stretched thin, trying to handle everything from preaching and teaching to managing food distribution. This limitation threatened to create division within the church and hinder its growth.
How often do we find ourselves in similar situations? We take on more and more responsibilities until we're overwhelmed, unable to effectively manage any of our tasks. In our personal lives, in our workplaces, and in our churches, we can easily reach a point of diminishing returns if we don't recognize our limitations.
The Solution: Everyone Plays a Part
Faced with this challenge, the apostles made a crucial decision. They recognized that for the church to continue growing, everyone needed to play a part. They called on the congregation to select seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, to handle the daily distribution of food.
This solution reflects a fundamental truth about the body of Christ: every believer has a role to play. As the apostle Peter writes in 1 Peter 4:10, "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms."
Whether your gift is hospitality, evangelism, teaching, administration, or any other skill, you have a unique contribution to make to God's kingdom. Some may be called to serve coffee, others to lead worship, and still others to reach out to those struggling with addiction. The key is recognizing that all these roles are equally valuable in God's eyes and essential for the church's growth.
The Result: Kingdom Advancement
When everyone stepped into their roles, the result was remarkable. Acts 6:7 tells us, "So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith."
By distributing responsibilities and allowing everyone to use their gifts, the early church overcame its growing pains and experienced explosive growth. This pattern of shared ministry not only solved the immediate problem but also set the stage for even greater kingdom advancement.
Embracing Your Calling
So how do we discover our role in God's kingdom? A helpful framework to consider is the intersection of our passion, competency, and opportunity. Where these three elements overlap, we often find our calling.
It's crucial to remember that our calling isn't limited to activities within the church walls. God may be inviting you to use your gifts in your workplace, your neighborhood, or in areas of society that need transformation. The key is to be open to His leading and willing to step out in faith.
In a world full of competing voices promising fulfillment, Jesus stands out. Unlike fame, money, politics, or even romantic love – all of which over-promise and under-deliver – Jesus offers a life of true purpose and joy. He invites us to lose our lives for His sake, promising that in doing so, we'll actually find the life we've been searching for.
This is the heart of the gospel message. God created everything for His glory and our joy, desiring a close relationship with us. Despite our tendency to turn away from Him, He didn't abandon us. Instead, He came to us in the person of Jesus Christ, living a perfect life, dying on the cross to pay for our sins, and rising again to conquer death. Through faith in Him, we can experience new life now and the promise of eternal life in the future.
As we embrace our role in God's kingdom, we participate in this grand narrative of redemption. We become part of something far greater than ourselves, joining in God's work of making all things new.
So, what's your part to play? How is God calling you to step out in faith, embrace change, and contribute to the advancement of His kingdom? Whether it's serving in a new capacity at church, reaching out to a neighbor in need, or using your skills to make a difference in your community, remember that your contribution matters.
The church grows and the kingdom advances when everyone plays their part. As you reflect on this truth, consider how you might need to change or adapt to fully step into the role God has for you. Embrace the uncomfortable, dare to dream, and watch as God works through you to impact lives and expand His kingdom.