Together in Christ: 'Spiritually Addressing Problems Leads to Growth' — Acts 6:6-7

Most of us — and yes, even most Christian leaders — avoid trials and problems like the plague. We see them as something awful and unwanted, sent by Satan and detrimental to our people, our church's growth, and the strength of our faith. The teaching of Scripture ^[1] and the examples in the book of Acts suggest the opposite. ^[2] Problems that surface in our churches help us address issues before they destroy the character and fellowship of our people. Trials can refine and challenge us to return to the mission Jesus called us to fulfill. ^[3]

The problems presented by the widows who didn't speak Hebrew being neglected in the food distribution blessed the church in at least three ways:

1. When the apostles addressed this problem in spiritually healthy ways, the church grew and even reached people — Jewish priests — whom they had not been able to lead to Jesus.
2. As the apostles addressed this problem maturely and spiritually, additional leaders emerged. These new leaders helped the apostles stay on task with their Jesus-ordained responsibilities of prayer and teaching and also relieved them of the responsibility of caring for widows. Furthermore, gifted leaders like Stephen and Philip were identified.
3. As the leaders addressed a problem related to discrimination because of orthodox Judaism and cultural differences, they gained valuable experience. They learned the importance of being the multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, and multi-cultural church Jesus called them to become.

Jesus commissioned His disciples to go to all nations and peoples to invite them to become full children of God, born into God's family by the power of the Holy Spirit. ^[4] They had to build their muscles of inclusion and fellowship slowly, but they eventually reached the point where Paul could unequivocally say:

For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. 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. ^[5]

Christian leaders and churches shouldn't seek trials or create problems. However, when cultural differences, missional faithfulness, or the evil one places problems and difficulties in our path, we must address them. Thankfully, Acts ^[6] reminds us not to avoid addressing those trials and difficulties. When we properly handle them with grace and faithfulness to God's character to accomplish Jesus' mission, the Holy Spirit uses trials and problems to grow us and mature us so we are ready for the upcoming great opportunities that lie ahead! Let's encourage our leaders to face problems and trials with this attitude rather than a sense of denial, fear, or avoidance. Praise God; the Holy Spirit can empower us to grow past our trials and problems!