Acts 6:1-8 says, “1And 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. 2Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 3Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. 5And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: 6Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. 7And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. 8And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.”

Here in the early church, we have the board of trustees being formed to appoint her the business of feeding those who are in need in the church of different races. One of those on the board was Stephen, a man whom scriptures says was full of faith and power and operated in wonders and miracles, confirming the message of Jesus Christ. He would later on become the first martyr in Christian history. His title did not limit him in his productivity in the kingdom of being a child of God. He was to help manage in the business aspects of his ministry, but he was not so narrow-minded that he believed this was all he was called to do. Otherwise, he would have by far under achieved in fulfilling the potential of heaven on earth! 

 

Entitlement coupled with selfish ambition is the most dangerous aspect of any self-proclaimed believer. We seek to fulfill our own agenda rather than walk in a spirit of unity. We think ministry is about us rather than winning souls, and we form it solely as a business and career choice instead of allowing it to flow out a place of devotion. We pass by those who are in need instead of seeing through eyes of compassion for the lost simply because we feel as though it does not fall under our title in the ministry. Therefore, we are not obligated to serve and help. For example, a pastor may ignore the voice of God in witnessing to someone in the mall because his title is not “evangelist”, or, even further, he may not help someone in need simply because they attend another church. Instead of seeing them as “brothers and sisters in Christ”, they enter this competition mode with an “us against them” mentality, forming a divisive wedge and missing altogether who the true enemy is, which is not a denomination but Satan himself. This shows how the church has fallen short in simply becoming an organization in hopes of gaining popularity rather than truly helping people and changing lives! We must be repent and allow the Holy Spirit to break the bonds of entitlement, laying down our selfish ego at an altar and following Jesus with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength. Then, we may reflect the real church of the Book of Acts!