Acts, Devo

Use Me

Use Me

ENGLISH
ENGLISH

Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables." — Acts 6:1-2

I think this is a great moment in the life of the growing church. Now to some, it might feel like a testy moment. But I don't think this is meant to be a testy moment. It's just the result of a growing ministry with growing needs. And it forced the church and its leadership to respond to the tension between two equally important activities — the need for serving and the need for the teaching. And we learn from them that one should not be done to the exclusion of the other. Both are essential in the life of the church. And together, the leadership team finds a way to address the growing challenges. The decision is to divide the workload and hand out leadership roles that focus people on using their time and talents in the community.

There have been many times in my own life where my busyness has determined my direction. I become consumed with everything that needs to get done, so much so that these things take control of my life and its direction. But I have found that every once in a while, I need time to evaluate my life. And in evaluation, I must address the investment of two things: my time and my talent. This is exactly what these leaders are assessing and addressing in this text.

So in the times I have paused long enough to evaluate my time and talents, I have always come to make adjustments to two things: first, how I have been making commitments, and second, the commitment I have already made. And while this is never easy, it does result in a more effective and efficient use of my direction. I have also found that by spending more time doing what I am supposed to do, others can step in and fulfill other corresponding roles. And then what happens is more people live on mission.

I would encourage you to take a few minutes today, considering your time and talents. And then evaluate how you are using this time and talent with three questions:

  • What do you need to continue doing?
  • What do you need to start doing?
  • What do you need to stop doing?

But I think it's that last question that is always the hardest. What do you need to stop doing? And as you consider what this might be for you, remember that the teachers had to stop serving to get get back to doing what Christ called them to do — teaching and preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

ASK THIS: What do you need to stop doing?

DO THIS: Share in the comments below one thing you need to stop doing.

PRAY THIS: God, help me to be more fully used for your purpose. My time and talents belong to you. Use me.

PLAY THIS: Use Me — Ron Kenoly.

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24 thoughts on “Use Me”

  1. Nick says:

    I need to stop worrying and focusing on me and what goes on in my life and start using my life for His kingdom

  4. Dennis James says:

    I need to stop spending so much of my down time on social media and use that time instead, to either go deeper in God’s Word or read more.

  5. Cory B says:

    I need to stop worrying so much about what other people think. I then need to stop getting angry, frustrated or resentful towards those people who think they know me and my motives. That being said, I need to keep my motives in check and make sure I’m doing His will and not my own.

  6. David J says:

    I need to stop procrastinating. Lord help me to stay focused on the task at hand.

  7. Eric says:

    I need to decide whether to facilitate a marriage class or to be a table leader in our Betterman Men’s ministry course. Both are excellent areas of fellowship.

  8. Bob Olsen says:

    I need to ask my Music Director at the Church where I’m a member; about opportunities to play clarinet during worship.

  9. Steve George says:

    Stop being sucked in to what the congregation leadership wants me to do and focus on what the Holy Spirit is leading me to do.

  10. W. James Anderson says:

    I need to stop not pursuing my musical interests. Ha. That’s more of a start doing. I’ve played drums for churches for 20 years. I hadn’t gone to church for about 6. We have been going for almost 2 years now to Sioux Falls First. I do not want to play for church or be in a bar band but I do want to write a song. Not a typical 3-4 minute thing but something longer and more diverse. I also play guitar a little. So… I need to continue to pursue that and stop not trying to find someone or someone’s to help me put it together. I have the ideas. I just don’t know how to arrange it. 😎

      • W. James Anderson says:

        Ya…. It’s just music for now. No words. I’m flirting with the idea of incorporating some melodies of ‘I Exalt Thee, It Is Well(Bethel version) and I Love You Lord into it. I am an open vessel man. I hope the creative process is meaningful and benefits the listener. Also…. I’ve dreamed of doing some conceptual additions to it in the future. It would involve 💀’s, blood,🌈’s, 🌺’s…. Basically a presentation of the gospel. Who knows…. Time will tell🌺💀’s and🌈’s🌺

  11. SHELDON Bullard says:

    Stop trying to be all things to all people, for this leads to burn out. It is important that every one learn his role and perform it for truly team work makes the dream work. So brothers lets join hands and heart we’re better together.

    • Jack says:

      This is huge. Praying for God to show you why you feel it necessary to be all things to all people. I did it for years because I had a poor image of myself. When I asked God who I was and listened to his answer it changed me. I’m not perfect in this area, but much better and I know how to avoid burn out.

    • Steve George says:

      The only thing Jesus gave was what he received from the Father. I don’t think he suffered from burn out. Spend as much time in prayer as you do in ministry 🙏

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