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Parenting by Design - April 22

The early Christian church faced a crisis as the apostles struggled to balance their duties with the growing demands of their followers, leading them to delegate responsibilities to others in order to create "margin" in their lives. By prioritizing prayer and ministry over service to others, individuals can maintain their spiritual health and become stronger in times of difficulty, just as the apostles did by selecting seven men to serve on behalf of the church.

Creating "margin" in our lives

Acts 6:2-3:  "So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, ‘It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables.  Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task'" (NASU).

In the early church, it was quickly becoming impossible for the apostles to do everything that was expected of them. They were overwhelmed by the many requests for their service. Recognizing they were being stretched beyond the limit, they delegated some of their responsibilities to Godly men able to handle those demands. They chose Stephen and others to perform day-to-day service, so they could create the "margin" needed in their lives to devote "to prayer and to the ministry of the word" (Acts 6:4). 

How often do you forsake prayer and ministry to attend to the demands of others? Is there an opportunity to delegate?

Forsaking time with God, even when you spend that time on family, can leave you empty and ineffective. Take care of your spiritual health so you will be strong when difficult times come.

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