1st Corinthians 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
This passage of scripture teaches us of the importance of team work when administering the services of the church. Several different positions and capacities are mentioned, ranging from helps to miraculous healing, and from prophets to those who specialize in speaking multiple languages. Then the apostle says that God has "Set" them in every church, so that the entire body of believers might be edified. This method of team work when implemented properly and evenly across the board, makes for a smooth and consistent running of all aspects of church services, with no one member being unduly overburdened.
But sad to say, this is hardly ever the case in most Christian churches, for the bulk of the work and responsibilities often fall on the shoulders of a faithful few, who then try to do a balancing act of managing several different areas of the work, that they may not be properly qualified for. And this then leads to unnecessary complaints and gross inefficiencies, which cause the work of God to be thrown into disarray. This is one of the "Good temptations" satan often brings to many eager and willing Christians, and if for any reason we bite the bait, then when we become overwhelmed and feel like giving up, we are often hammered with the doctrine of faithfulness, which puts upon us an additional burden of guilt, for not following up on what we had promised.
As servants of The Most High God, we should never be found taking on our plate much more than we can handle efficiently, because the strength and grace that God gives us to perform, is not given so that we may do everything in the church, but rather that which He alone has ordained. We should first prayerfully consider what God will have us to do, and then, after several seasons of prayer, take as much as God directs, knowing that He will enable us to deliver the goods in a consistent and efficient manner. The question then often arises, who will do it if nobody offers, and the answer is often given, I will do it if no one else will, and thus a heap of responsibilities and duties keep piling up on each other, until some members become grossly inefficient at managing several posts.
In the days of the early Christian church this same scenario arose, because the Grecian women and other gentiles discovered that they were not being adequately cared for, and therefore the matter was brought before the apostles for urgent address and resolution. The answer then given should serve as a model for us handling similar emergencies, so that the work of God may continue to run as a well oiled and smooth running piece of machinery. Let's read:
Acts 6:1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
In lieu of this example, let us then as Christians pull our God-ordained weight evenly, and in a well thought out and efficient manner, so that God may be honored and glorified in all that we think, do, or say. But let us never bite off more than we can chew, for then we will choke up, and end up spitting out prematurely, the many duties we once committed to. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which speaks to this very point, and it is the will of God that due consideration, and thoughtful prayer be made by each of us, before assuming offices and responsibilities within the framework of the church. Let's read:
Ecclesiastes 5:2 Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few. 3 For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words. 6 Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error".... 7 For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study and practice of His every word. God bless!