We are forever adding to our responsibilities.
Seemingly intent on adding one more duty to our list.
We see a gap and volunteer. We notice a need and step forward. We convince ourselves that if we don’t do it, nobody else will.
However, noticeably absent from this investment strategy is typically any commensurate plan for divestment.
What if we are already at capacity? What if the purpose of being presented with more isn’t so we’ll take it on, but so we’ll invite others in?
“And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.”
The apostles recognized a growing need within the early church and were called to action. Their solution, however, wasn’t to work harder. It was to raise up others. For they understood that trying to do everything would eventually cause them to neglect the very things they had been uniquely called to do. So they expanded the team.
The problem was solved through greater participation, not greater effort.
How often do we respond the opposite way?
When another responsibility appears, I recognize I typically tighten my grip and bear down. I convince myself that faithfulness means always carrying one more burden. Yet, here we see faithfulness modeled not as doing more, but inviting others.
There is another detail worth noting.
The apostles didn’t ask for the seven most capable men. They first asked for men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom. Character preceded competence.
We often reverse that order. We find ourselves captivated by talent and can overlook integrity. However, even in this seemingly menial task, the apostles recognized that character still comes first.
Before adding the next responsibility to the pile, we should pause and ask a different question. Is this something I alone must do? Or is this an opportunity to empower someone else? Maybe the need in front of us isn’t another burden to carry, but another person to develop.