FRIDAY February 10, 2023
Priorities in Leadership
“Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men
of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may
appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer
and to the ministry of the word.”
Acts 6:3-4
The Apostles sought a solution to the problem that had arisen in the church. The Hellenists brought to their attention that the widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. The leaders knew their call. The priority for them was to give themselves to prayer and the study of God’s Word. This did not mean they did not want to be servants to the people. As they had so much to do, they delegated the responsibility. They used wisdom in their decision to seek out men who were qualified for the task.
I believe, at times, people misjudge senior pastors. They may want them to do a funeral, a wedding, or spend time with them eating dinner. If only they knew their schedules! Listen, it is impossible to do everything. They have to prioritize their lives, giving themselves to prayer and the Word.
I cannot take on all the duties of the church––no possible way. It would kill me! I have to spend time in prayer and in God’s Word so that I am ready to give His message to the people. Moses faced the magnitude of taking care of millions of people. He was judging the people from morning until night. In Exodus 18:17-18, His father-in-law advised him:
“The thing that you do is not good. Both you and these people who are with you will surely wear yourselves out. For this thing is too much for you; you are not able to perform it by yourself.”
What was the solution? Finding able men to help him with the difficult task: ….select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers… (Exodus 18:21). Moses wisely took the advice from his father-in-law Jethro and did just what he said.
As we continue to work together in unity and harmony, able men in the ministry have been called to be assistant pastors, available to help take care of the body of Christ’s needs.
Your priorities must be God first, God second, and God third, until your life is continually face to face with God.
~Oswald Chambers~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
