Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 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. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. (Acts 6)
Actually, I do have a sign by the door to my office that says "The Complaint Department." It of course, is a sign of comic relief, as is the mousetrap someone gave me labeled "to file a complaint, press here." Christians are not exempt from complaining. Obviously there was some validity to the "complaint" of these non-Judean Jewish Christians, or the apostles would not have addressed it the way they did. They wisely made them part of the solution. They were a part of the "full number" of followers. What concerns me is when those who make a complaint are not willing to be part of the solution. When someone comes to "file a complaint" about what or how something is or is not being done, but will not become a proactive part of resolving it, I begin to doubt their commitment to the oneness of the body of Christ. May we today take our complaints to God, to those in authority as He guides us, and to the planning table to see how we can help.
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