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Daily Devotions for the Advent and Christmas Seasons

Saturday, December 26

Acts 6: 1-7

by Kevin Toy

Each of us has been called to serve the people in our community and spread the word of God in different ways. However, are we being selective in whom we serve? The twelve apostles made their appeal to the community of disciples to serve all, the rich and the poor, the weak and the strong, the joyous and the desolate. In our various ways, we all are leaders in the community, and our role is to spread the word by teaching others what we have learned and by guiding those who are going stray.

Another role for some leaders is to develop new leaders. Our church must always be teaching and training its next generation of leaders who can carry own the church’s work and keeping serving the wider community.

Leaders who serve the word of God come in all shape and sizes. The most effective leaders are the people who, like Stephen, are righteous, and there­fore all can respect and follow them. Learn and gain experience from such teachers so that you grow as a leader and may one day teach others to become leaders, too.

At the same time, we must remember to reach out to anybody who seeks to hear the word. Do not try to discriminate between those who you think will listen and those who will not. Do not prejudge based on their past or who they are or whether they are believers already. Spread the word to all, and let each one decide whether they will listen and whether they can trust in our leadership enough to follow. Be a guide to all who listen and help to teach them.

Prayer

Lord, help us to grow as leaders who spread your word and who reach out to those seeking your word. Guide us to them. Help us to acknowledge them unconditionally. May we always be ready to teach anybody about your truly masterful powers. Amen.