Devotionals

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Don't Despise the Position That You Are Anointed to Do!

...and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them. Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith. Act 6:6-7 (NKJV)

The early church was growing and the disciples were 'run off of their feet' trying to do everything that needed doing. The disciples realised that they needed to find other people to help do some of the practical jobs. A ministry that was beginning to be neglected was the distribution to the widows and the poor. In Acts 6:2, we see that the job was to literally 'serve tables.'

So a job needed doing. What did the disciples do to fill that position? Did they look around to those they thought would be the best cook or the one best able to do that job? No, they were looking for a particular character in a person. They needed seven people, and wanted men full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom and of good reputation. They were not looking for whoever could do the job best.

I find this interesting, as often in church life, we try to fill a position by who we feel could do that job best. But the early church had it the right way around. If they could find someone who was filled with the Holy Spirit, somebody who had a good reputation and somebody who was wise, that person (through the help of the Holy Spirit), would be able to fulfil the role well. As a result of seven such men put in place, we see a huge growth in the church.

So, if you feel that God has called you to feed the poor, or to look after the children, or to greet people at the door, do not despise that and wish to be at the front. Don't aim or aspire to things that you've not been called to do, instead, do what your ministry is with all of your heart. Romans 12:4-5 reminds us that we are all part of one body, and no one part of the body is more important than any other. I have recently sliced through the top of one of my fingers with a kitchen knife. I did not realise how important the top of that finger was until it was put out of play! How I missed the use of that finger. Everything seemed so much harder to do. That finger is important!

What part of the church body are you today? The head is on view but many other parts are not. Without the neck, the head would not be able to turn. Without the wrists, the hands would not be able to function, and so on. We are all an important part.

What is most important is that you are filled with the Holy Spirit, make sure that you keep a good reputation and pray to God for wisdom in doing your role. I do believe that if we all did our role with such characteristics, the kingdom of God would be added to so much so, that there would be a huge revival.

Whatever you feel God has called you to do, do it knowing that you are adding to the kingdom of God. When you hear of Stephen from the Bible, how often do you remember him as one who served tables? I rather much think you remember him as a martyr and a wonderful man of faith. You see, your roles and ministries may change in life, but it's your character that will stay with you for life and determine what how people remember you.

Prayer:
Thank you Lord for my calling and I pray that I will do it in the strength of the Holy Spirit, in full wisdom and by maintaining a good reputation. Help me never to envy another's role but to do mine with a good and cheerful heart, knowing that my role in the body of Christ will draw others to You. In Jesus name, Amen.

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