Acts 6:1-4 “The Hellenistic Jews…complained…because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution (diakonia) of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, ‘…choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry (diakonia) of the word.”
We’re all naturally status-conscious. We readily assign rank to roles. Indeed we need structures and chains of accountability and responsibility, but Acts chapter 6 establishes an important principle which is often missed. Luke is saying that all service has great value because it is service to Jesus. He uses the same word (diakonia) and the same qualifications (those ‘who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom’) to describe both food distribution and preaching, thus emphasising that both are equally service. The functions are clearly different but the value and motivation are the same: service to the Master. Indeed if the ministry of food had not been given to others then the ministry of the Word may have been eclipsed or rendered ineffective by division.
Jesus is our role model for service. He was humble (unconcerned about his status) and meek (unconcerned about his rights, see Matthew 11:29). He became in very nature a bond slave (Philippians 2:7), making himself of no reputation and being obedient even to a horrific death on a shameful cross.
What is more important to me: recognition and reputation or obedient service to the King? Someone once quipped: “Many people want to serve God… but only as advisors!” Sadly we’re often more interested in ‘serve us’ than ‘service’. However, we’re blessed to be a blessing and we’re saved to serve.
In Paul’s metaphor in 1 Corinthians 12, we’re all members of the body of Christ. Every part has value, a key role to play, and significance as part of the whole. Be content today in your God-given role, serving him with pure motivations, and seeking his glory above all things.
Lord, I humbly choose service over status today. Amen!
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