One of the early Christian church’s biggest struggles was growth. After Jesus’ small band of merry men and women exploded into a megachurch of five thousand-plus people in the early chapters of Acts, we read, “In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food” (Acts 6:1). Like a childless couple who just had twins, the growth of the Christian family caused some complications. The widows’ tummies were rumbling, and their mouths were grumbling. How would the apostles address the issue without neglecting their call to preach the gospel? (You’ll find out in tomorrow’s devotion!)
For today, I want you to see that growth makes messes. When a family, business, or church grows, it gets messy. People get overlooked and feel undervalued. The old ways that used to work stop working. Leaders are called to step back and figure out new solutions.
Do you know anyone who is experiencing such growth pains? Maybe your friend is a first-time parent struggling to get everything done at home. Maybe your church family is adding a second service that threatens the intimacy of your fellowship. These are hard situations. But God will give you wisdom if you ask him so that people can be served and leaders can be saved.
Growth is wonderful and messy. May the Holy Spirit bless you as you step back to see the problem and step up to solve it.
