INTERNAL CHALLENGES

Acts 6:1,3,7

But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.

And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility.

So God’s message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too.

The church did not only face challenges from without but also from within, apart from the record of Ananais who carried a different agenda and motive, we see the surge of sentiment from one of the worst tool of segregation - tribalism.

Recall this testimony:

Acts 4:32-34

All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had.

The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all.

There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them

Is this not a wonderful testimony? Yes it is and it made many from outside want to join this community for the truth is that the real need of humans is LOVE (God is love).

However there are sentiments that bring about division and is anti-love, one of them is TRIBALISM!

Acts 6:1 

And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

As you pray for expansion, also pray for the grace, patience and wisdom to deal with what comes with it. Selah

Once the element of triabalism gets into fellowship, love becomes wanting, as we see in the scripture, partiality comes in, an obvious love for some above another.

Glory to God in this case the church elders arose and took swift action. They were wise to take it up in the midst of all the believers, listen:

Acts 6:2

So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program.

They left no one out, then the applied the principle Moses's father in-law taught him, the appointed anointed men to take care of stewardship, that they would not be overburdened with all matters, that they may concentrate in teaching the word.

So, we learn that it is not strange that internal matters arise in the midst of brethren, it happened in the beginning. God's wisdom is available to resolve whatever the issue is, it must neither be escalated nor ignored.

The problem comes when the very leaders are the author, perpetrators or encouragers of those things that cause division. There was a reason why Paul counseled:

1Timothy 3:6 

Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

A novice is not placed in the position of leadership, he must be experienced, have the Spirit and be known for good character 1Timothy 3:1-13. 

For it is immaturity and carelessness that cause parents to show partiality to their children, this open show of favourism causes rift and envy and the family is being torn apart by the hand that ought to keep it together. We learn from Esau and Jacob we also learn from Joseph and his brothers.

The leaders and elders in the church should not make same mistake by showing favourism either through triabalism, financial status or whatever.

There is already so much to take care of, why add more burden to that which is already in existence.

If our purpose is to fulfil God's will then we must not let any internal rift divert our minds from the goal.

What is your role, are you a tool for unity and love or the sower of discord among brethren? See, tribalism ends here for after we leave this earth where we come from does not matter. Our reward will be based on love, and our acceptance of God's love which is in Christ Jesus (John 3:16).

Galatians 3:28-29

There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.

And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you.

In the end the testimony must be:

Acts 6:7

So God’s message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too.

That the earth might be filled with the glory of God as the waters cover the sea.

Help us Good Lord.

He calls us blessed.

Love

@the watcher