Church Problems

In today's world, we often encounter division, strife, and inequality - even within our churches. But how should we, as followers of Christ, approach these issues? A powerful lesson from the early church in Acts 6:1-7 provides us with a blueprint for addressing problems in a way that honors God and promotes unity.

The story begins with a growing church facing a significant challenge. As the number of disciples increased, a complaint arose from the Hellenistic Jews (Greek-speaking) against the Hebraic Jews. The issue? Their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. This situation highlights a common problem we still face today - favoritism and neglect based on cultural or ethnic differences.

At first glance, it might seem that the complaining itself was the problem. However, this passage teaches us an important lesson: sometimes, complaints point to real underlying issues that need addressing. In this case, there was genuine neglect and injustice occurring within the church community.

This scenario mirrors many of the cultural and racial tensions we see in our world today. Often, those in the majority tend to view complaining as the primary problem, while those in the minority point to systemic neglect or injustice. The challenge lies in discerning the root cause and addressing it appropriately.

The apostles' response to this situation is both surprising and instructive. Instead of immediately jumping in to fix the problem themselves or dismissing the complaints, they gathered all the disciples together. Their solution? They decided to appoint seven men, full of the Spirit and wisdom, to oversee the distribution of food. Meanwhile, the apostles would devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word.

This approach reveals a profound truth: the ultimate solution to issues of division and injustice is not found in administrative fixes or social programs alone, but in the transformative power of the gospel. The apostles recognized that real, lasting change comes from hearts transformed by God's word and prayer.

It's tempting for us, when faced with problems in our churches or communities, to busy ourselves with programs and initiatives. While these can be helpful, we must not neglect the primary importance of preaching the gospel and praying for God's intervention. It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit working in people's hearts that true reconciliation and justice can flourish.

The gospel reminds us of our own sinfulness and need for grace. It humbles us, making us more willing to listen to others and examine our own hearts. When we truly grasp the depth of God's love and forgiveness towards us in Christ, we become more capable of extending that same love and forgiveness to others - even those who are different from us.

Interestingly, all seven men chosen to oversee the food distribution had Greek names, suggesting they were from the Hellenistic community. This detail is significant. The early church demonstrated their commitment to unity and equality by entrusting leadership to those from the minority group. They understood that in Christ, cultural distinctions do not determine one's worth or ability to serve.

This story challenges us to examine our own churches and communities. Are we truly living out the implications of the gospel in how we treat one another? Are we willing to address issues of favoritism or neglect? Are we open to empowering leaders from diverse backgrounds?

The result of the apostles' approach was remarkable. The word of God spread, the number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and even many priests became obedient to the faith. When the church addresses its internal issues with gospel-centered solutions, it becomes a powerful witness to the world.

In our current climate of racial tension and social division, the church has a unique opportunity to demonstrate the unifying power of the gospel. By humbly acknowledging our own biases and shortcomings, actively listening to those who feel marginalized, and consistently pointing one another back to Christ, we can foster genuine reconciliation and justice.

This doesn't mean we won't make mistakes or say the wrong thing sometimes. But the beauty of the gospel is that it gives us the freedom to love boldly, knowing that our righteousness is found in Christ alone. We can approach difficult conversations and situations with humility, grace, and a willingness to learn and grow.

As we face challenges within our churches and in the broader society, let's remember the example set by the early church:

• Listen carefully to complaints and seek to understand underlying issues.
• Keep the gospel central in addressing problems.
• Prioritize prayer and the ministry of God's word.
• Be willing to empower diverse leadership.
• Trust in the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.

By focusing on the "distribution of the gospel" rather than just addressing surface-level symptoms, we open the door for God to work in powerful ways. We may not see immediate results, but as we faithfully proclaim Christ and live out His love, we can trust that His word will spread and bear fruit.

In a world desperately in need of hope and reconciliation, let's be a church that deals with its problems through the lens of the gospel. May we be known for our love, our unity in diversity, and our unwavering commitment to the transforming message of Jesus Christ. As we do so, we can trust that God will use us to impact lives and communities for His glory.