Today's Devotion

December 9, 2010

Don’t Let Murmuring Linger

Today we see the fearless leadership of the apostles as they deal with murmuring. This was likely a legitimate complaint. It is not likely that there was any malice intended in the overlooking of some of the people. Remember the church was exploding at this time, and the apostle literally had more than they could handle.

They react quickly and wisely to the complaint by having the disciples pick out men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom to attend to this need. Not just saying to the disciples, take care of the problem yourself; they calculated the number at seven and established the guidelines for selection.

“Now in those days, when [the number of] the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. "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." And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them. Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.” (Acts 6:1-7 NKJV)

It is important that problems get dealt with quickly. When murmurings are ignored, they quickly turn into outright rebellion. As the murmuring continues, sides are chosen and battle lines are drawn. What may have started out as a legitimate concern soon turns into a self-seeking, sinful, power struggle. The results of which we have all see far too often.

It is not much fun to deal with complaints. Most of us want to avoid them if we can. However, we all have the responsibility to deal with issues as they are presented. This is to be done in a loving and timely manner.

As it is written, “Be angry, and do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.” (Ephesians 4:26-27 NKJV) Giving place to the devil is exactly what we will do if we become defensive whenever anyone brings a complaint to us.

The apostle did not hesitate to deal with the complaint that was brought to them, and we see the issue resolved quickly and amiably. In fact, this decision sets the structure of the church for future generations. That being, congregations lead by elders and served by deacons.

Therefore, it might help to look at the complaints that come your way as opportunities instead of pitfalls. Having the right attitude makes a world of difference.

“. . . The first of all the commandments [is]: ‘Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one. ‘And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This [is] the first commandment. "And the second, like [it, is] this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:29-31 NKJV)