Love God Greatly: EmpoweredSample

As the Word of God spread throughout Jerusalem and Judea, the number of disciples increased. This led to conflict among the believers, conflict that threatened to cause dissension and division within the early church. When this conflict arose, the twelve apostles recognized their main focus needed to be on teaching and proclaiming God’s Word. The apostles also recognized the conflict was important, and more leadership was needed as the church continued to grow. Because of this, they appointed additional leaders to oversee the distribution of food to widows. ⁣ ⁣ The growth of the church was a good thing, but it did not come without challenges. This example of the apostles’ leadership and guidance shows the workings of the body of Christ. The apostles needed to use their gift of preaching the gospel, and others were needed to serve and organize other functions of the church. ⁣ ⁣ No matter our role in the body of Christ, we are essential. There is one body of Christ, of which we are all members. We each have different gifts and when we use those gifts for the edification and unity of the body of Christ, the gospel will continue to spread (1Co 12). ⁣ ⁣ Lord Jesus, thank You for making all the members of Your body unique. Help me to use my gifts to encourage and help others. Help me to serve to make Your name great, not out of self-promotion. Help me trust those You have appointed as leaders in the body of Christ. In Your name, amen. ⁣