Unstoppable! 'Refusing to Hide Problems' — Acts 6:1-2

Thursday, March 20, 2025

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.

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."

— Acts 6:1-2 NLT

Key Thought

"All decisions are made by the 'higher-ups' in some boardroom, and we never know what is going on!" All too often, rank and file members of an organization feel that their input and their needs don't matter. For many, transparency in leadership is a myth or a political slogan, not a reality. However, transparency in leadership was essential among the early disciples. The apostles were open about problems the early church faced. They dealt with the problems in the full view of the church. So, when Greek-speaking widows were neglected, the apostles addressed the problem, openly. Why are we so afraid of openly addressing and solving our church problems today?

Today's Prayer

Forgive us, Father, for our secrets. Forgive us, O Lord, for our scheming, gossiping, plotting, and concealing information. We want to be more like the first disciples and handle our problems openly, quickly, and fairly. Be with our leaders as they try to be more trusting of us, your people, and as they seek to trust us with the knowledge of our problems. Please help all of us to be trustworthy and to have a commitment to help address and solve our problems in a holy and honorable way. Precious Spirit of the living God, we need your winds of transformation to help us be more holy in the way we address our crises and solve our problems. We ask for this help in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Acts 15:1-34
  • Acts 5:1-11

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

6 Related Resources by Heartlight

Growth Can Cause Problems!
Devo: Unstoppable!
"But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking..."
Transparent, Mission-guided, Spiritual Leadership and Care
Devo: Together in Christ
"But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking..."
Committed to Their Calling
Devo: Unstoppable!
"[Because some widows were being neglected in the food distribution,] the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, "We apostles should...."
Growing through Problems
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Beloved, The apostle Paul spoke the truth about Our — Father, Son, and Spirit's — desire for Our new covenant people when he..."
See All 6 Related Resources about Acts 6:1-2

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 6:1-2 NLT — 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. 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."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, March 20, 2025

Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Rachel Joy Scott:
"I have this theory that if one person shows compassion to another then that person will start a chain reaction of the same."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Joel 2:8
"Locusts always keep their rank, and although their number is legion, they do not crowd upon each other, so as to throw their columns into confusion......"
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 4:27
"Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Why Do…?' (Mt. 15:1-2)
"Some Pharisees and teachers of religious law now arrived from Jerusalem to see Jesus. They asked him, "Why do your disciples disobey our age-old..."

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More Unstoppable!