Be Committed to your Calling
Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | March 11 2025 | Acts 6:1-7
KEY VERSE: 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.’... ‘and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word. Acts 6:2, 4 (NIV)
MESSAGE: Commitment to our calling is essential for fulfilling God’s purpose in our lives. The early church faced a challenge when the number of disciples increased, leading to complaints about the distribution of food. Taking care of widows is vitally important (James 1:27), and it was especially important in this situation, given concerns about ethnic and language prejudice. The apostles resisted the temptation to get involved personally. They recognised their calling, avoided distractions, strengthened their commitment, and made a great impact.
The apostles, recognising their primary calling, made a crucial decision—to focus on prayer and the teaching of the word of God. The apostles proposed a framework for the disciples to meet this need while they remained faithful to the work Jesus had called them to do. Their wisdom highlights an important leadership principle: leaders cannot lead effectively by trying to do everything themselves. Instead, they must prioritise their calling, delegate wisely, and empower others to serve. This approach addressed the immediate problem and created opportunities for others to embrace new callings, as seen in the selection of the seven men in the following verses.
The apostles emphasised the importance of prayer and the Word of God. These two elements sustain and strengthen our commitment to our calling. Without prayer and the word of God, we lack divine direction and the foundation for spiritual growth. The church grew and thrived when the apostles stayed committed to their calling. God blessed their focus by raising others to serve in different areas, leading to greater impact. Commitment to our calling brings fruitfulness and blessings.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
God calls each of us to a specific assignment, and our faithfulness to that calling determines our effectiveness in His kingdom. Like the apostles, we must recognize our calling, avoid distractions, and remain devoted to prayer and the Word.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, thank You for your calling on my life. Please help me to remain faithful, focused, and devoted to my divine assignment. Strengthen me through prayer and Your Word so that I may fulfil my purpose and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 70: Numbers 3-4 — The Duties of the Levites
DAILY word study: ATTENTION
The Greek word for attention in Acts 6:4 is προσκαρτερέω (proskartereō), meaning to be devoted to, to persist in, or to continue steadfastly. It combines pros (toward) and kartereō (to endure, to be strong in).
This word describes the apostles’ deep commitment to prayer and teaching the Word. It appears in Acts 1:14, when the disciples devoted themselves to prayer, and in Acts 2:42, when the early Church devoted itself to the apostles’ teaching. This level of focus and persistence enables spiritual growth and leadership.
Reflection:
True attention to our calling means remaining steadfast despite distractions. Like the apostles, we must prioritize what God has assigned to us. What areas of your life demand greater focus and devotion? Are you fully committed to your spiritual growth, or have distractions taken over?
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