Scripture Reading
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.
Devotional Reflection
The early Church was growing.
More people.
More needs.
More responsibilities.
And with growth came tension.
Some were being overlooked.
Some needs weren’t being met.
This is an important reminder:
Even Spirit-filled communities
still face practical challenges.
But instead of ignoring the problem,
the apostles responded with wisdom.
They invited others to help carry the work.
Choose seven men.
The apostles didn’t try to do everything themselves.
They recognized limits.
They understood that good work
often requires many hands.
And they chose people marked by character:
Honest report.
Full of the Holy Spirit.
Wisdom.
Because in God’s Kingdom,
service is never “lesser work.”
It is sacred work.
Many of us struggle here.
We want to handle everything ourselves.
We equate help with weakness.
We assume maturity means carrying it all alone.
But wisdom knows better.
Sometimes growth requires delegation.
Sometimes faithfulness requires partnership.
Sometimes strength looks like asking for help.
Even the apostles didn’t carry everything alone.
Why do we think we must?
Today, consider where you’re overloaded.
What burden are you carrying alone
that could be shared?
Where could you trust someone else?
Where could you ask for help?
Where could you empower another person to serve?
And if you’re the one invited to help—
serve gladly.
Shared burdens often become lighter.
Shared service often becomes joyful.
Closing Prayer
Lord,
You did not create me
to carry every burden alone.
And yet, I often try.
I hold tightly to responsibilities,
push past my limits,
and hesitate to receive help from others.
Teach me humility.
Help me recognize my limits
without shame,
and to ask for support
with honesty and wisdom.
Give me discernment
to know when to lead,
when to share,
and when to step back.
And if You are calling me
to help carry another’s burden,
make me willing and faithful.
Form in me the kind of character
that can be trusted—
honest, steady, Spirit-led, and wise.
Let my life be useful in Your hands,
whether I am leading or serving quietly.
Because every act of love
matters in Your Kingdom.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
Amen.