Outstanding...

Today's Readings: OT - Leviticus 2 / NT - Acts 6

"So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, 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 of the word.”... So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. - Acts 6:2-4, 7

The Golden Ball award is presented to the best player at each FIFA Club World Cup. Those who finish as runners-up receive the Silver Ball and Bronze Ball awards as the second and third most outstanding players. What about those players who were not so outstanding? Would any game be won without them? Where would the awarded players be without the rest of the team? The simple truth is... every player is outstanding.

The disciples were not better than others, nor were they too good to wait on tables. They had been assigned a certain task for the growth of the church. They needed others, who were spiritual and wise to carry out other tasks. It wasn't a matter of who was more outstanding; it was a matter of each team member doing his or her part to grow the church. The simple truth was... every player was outstanding.

What task has God assigned for you to do in building his church? Do you feel less important than the next person as you labor for the Lord? Do you think the pastor, elders, deacons or teachers are more outstanding than you? Maybe you are one of those mentioned but someone has more responsibility than you. Keep this in mind; God has strategically assigned each one of us to achieve his purpose. That makes YOU quite important in the growth of His church, so remember... every player is outstanding.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Leviticus 3 / NT - Acts 7:1-22