Growth is very important in every organisation as this determines the sustainability of the organisation or institution. Some expect growth in finance, clients, activities, sales etc. As a church our goal is to win more souls for Christ and Matthew 28:19-20 is very clear
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
This is the mandate of the church, so it is not surprising when we see this in the early church, where they were growing in numbers and realizing that certain aspects of the assembly’s life was being overlooked. When we experience growth, there is excitement, and it is possible certain things may be neglected because of the growing numbers. In the first reading the disciples’ attention was drawn to this neglect and they took a swift action to solve this problem.
The Spirit of the Lord was with these disciples and God used them to grow the church and their numbers increased so much that there was the need of new hands to come in to help with the ministry and so they appointed 7 individuals to help with the distribution of the at the table so that the widows will not be neglected. These individuals were appointed from the people, and they were people of good repute. They were therefore commissioned through the laying on of hands.
Delegation of powers is very important in every institution because it enhances growth and brings out the gifts that God has given to us, but it does not also mean that we appoint anybody for the sake of it, we should be led by the spirit because Romans 8:14 says
“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.”
The appointment helped the apostles to continue with their ministry of preaching and reaching out to people, so their numbers multiplied tremendously. They were able to lead so many people to Christ, who is the living stone that was rejected by men, but chosen and precious in the sight of God.
The appointment of the seven individuals helped them to play their part in the ministration to the people of God. We all have a part to play in the assembly because God has given all of us different kinds of gift which must be stirred up to promote growth in the church of God. We must understand that we are all living stones being developed or built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood. Jesus Christ will help us through it because he is our corner stone on which we build.
“For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” (1 Peter 2:6)
Jesus was rejected but he became the corner stone. We will not know our capabilities until we avail ourselves to the things of God and be willing to help in any way to support the growth of the church. We should always listen to God because if we disobey, we will stumble. The way to the Father is through Jesus Christ and he availed himself to be used by the Father. He said to his disciples
“…The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. (John 14:10b)
As Christian we must allow God to speak through us so that every word that comes from our mouth will edify, encourage, express love, build up and be spirit filled. This will make those we come across see Christ in us and be eager to play their part in the church of God.
Let us always be admonished by 1 Peter 2:9
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.”
Fr. Josiah
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