Authentic Leaders Build Purpose
Define Your Pain – Part 2

Scripture Reading:  Acts 6:1-7

Key Verse: Acts 6:2

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.

Do you suppose that as the disciples were realizing that they needed to stop being involved in the food distribution to the needy that they felt some guilt?  Was it hard for them to stand up in front of the church and say: It is not right for us to continue doing what we are doing?  I have to believe they had been in a marathon of meetings with long discussions about their problem.

            When your pain drives you to do something about the way you are doing life, it is usually not an easy fix!  You will probably need to have some tough conversations with people around you.  You will probably wrestle with what that better way will look like and how it will be received by people you care about.

            When our schedules have gotten out of control, it usually means we are involved with several projects which include people.  People can put guilt on us, or at least we perceive that guilt.  This is what makes putting boundaries in our lives so difficult.  It is hard to make changes that we know will disappoint someone we care about.  The disciples were making the right decision, but it probably wasn’t an easy one for most of them.  We must allow the pain in our schedules to push us to make the needed adjustments!

Father, I want to live the abundant life you sent Jesus to provide for me.  Give me courage to live my life in balance.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.