There is a valuable lesson we can learn from an event that took place in the early church. At that time, criticism arose from within the community of believers themselves. There was complaining because widows from a certain group were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. This was no small issue, for it touched on matters of justice, care, and the testimony of the church.
What is remarkable is that the apostles did not become defensive, nor did they ignore these voices. Instead, they listened, assessed the situation, and responded with a wise solution. They then asked the congregation to select men who were well-respected, full of the Spirit, and full of wisdom to oversee this need. Out of this criticism, a group of servants was appointed — men who would go on to fulfill a vital role in meeting a real need within the church.
If we are observant enough, criticism often acts as a "doorway to the answer" for a specific need. Unfortunately, when faced with problems, we tend to either join the ranks of the critics or become apathetic, thinking it is not our responsibility or within our scope of work.
The apostles did not merely discuss the problem; they took concrete action by establishing a new ministry to address the need. Those chosen were not selected because they were perfect, but because their character was marked by the Holy Spirit, wisdom, and a willingness to serve. Even though their task seemed simple, their ministry met the needs of the people, preserved unity, and strengthened the church’s witness. We learn that small acts done with a right heart bring great impact.
Therefore, let us learn not only to see what is wrong, but also to take part in providing the solution. Do not merely criticise — be the one who brings the answer. When things around us are not going well, when needs are unmet, or when people are neglected, the question should not be “Who is to blame?” but rather “How is God calling me to be part of the solution?”
Do not just be an observer; be the answer. More often than not, the solution appears the moment we choose to care and to act.
SELF-REFLECTION
Are you sensitive enough to notice the needs around you? Do you tend to criticise more often than you take part in bringing solutions?
What need around you is God calling you to respond to right now?
PRAYER FOCUS
Lord, give me a heart that is sensitive and ready to act, rather than one that only sees and criticises. Use my life as a channel of blessing to others, to my community, to the church, and wherever I am placed. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
ACTION TO TAKE
Start becoming aware of the needs around you and take real steps to be part of the solution, no matter how small those steps may be.
TODAY’S WISDOM
Do not just look at problems and criticise them — be part of the answer.
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Collection: National Gallery Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
Description
The scene with the penitent king David appears in art only rarely. David is searching his conscience, as he had sent Uriah into battle for certain death to gain his wife Betshabe, with whom he later conceived a son who became seriously ill and finally died. The king in prayer had put away the symbols of his power - the sceptre and crown. There is a harp on the table which is his attribute.
Throughout the Biblical narrative, it is shown that God’s holiness is not stained by the fallen nature of this world. Rather, it’s His holiness that cleanses and redeems us.
This is most famously shown in the vision of Isaiah 6, where Isaiah sees God seated on His throne with the angels worshipping around Him. Isaiah, a man of unclean lips, is petrified at seeing the face of God, and is convinced that He’s done for.
But instead of being destroyed, God has an angel pick up a burning coal with a set of tongs, and had it put to Isaiah’s mouth. As a result, Isaiah is purified before the Lord, and his sins are washed away.
We see this pattern on display throughout the entire story of the Bible.
The disciples failed Jesus time and time again (Peter denied Him, Thomas doubted Him, etc.), yet all were filled by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
Paul was a persecutor of the church, yet was commissioned by God Himself to become an apostle and started countless churches.
Elijah pleaded with God to take his life, and was convinced that he was the only one in Israel who had not bowed to Ba’al (a fact he was dead wrong on). And yet, God still worked countless miracles through him and is one of only two people who were taken up to heaven without dying.
God is not intimated by our sin. Rather, it only sets the stage on which His love and grace can shine. We do not stain God with our filthiness, but it’s His holiness that cleanses us. Our sin is no match for the power of living God.
You have not chased God away.
You are not too far gone.
God isn’t replaced by you. He only wants you to come home, with Him.
Don’t let your shame and self pity block you from experiencing the forgiveness and love that Jesus wishes to lavish on you.
He’d rather you come home dirty than not come at all. So please, come back home.
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Guido Cagnacci (Italian, 1601–1663), The Repentant Magdalene, detail, circa 1660.
Norton Simon Museum.
The event depicted in the elegant space of this canvas is an episode from the life of Mary Magdalene, the courtesan who renounced her sinful ways and converted to Christianity, following her encounter with Christ in the temple. Mary is shown on the floor, having discarded her luxurious clothes and jewels; her face is reddened from remorse and her body barely covered by a white sheet. Her sister Martha sits on a cushion, calming her, while behind them two servants are leaving the room after having witnessed their mistress’s emotional scene. Cagnacci has also included two allegorical figures to the left. A standing angel banishes a levitating devil, complete with horns and a tail. He lurches toward the window as he flees the room. The combatant figures represent Virtue and Vice as they battle for Mary’s soul at the moment she chooses to embrace her virtuous new Christian life. (x)
