Every Life Matters in God's Mission: Lessons from Stephen's Story

For the first time in history, we have seven generations living simultaneously. From Gen Alpha to the Greatest Generation, we're all part of God's ongoing story. Some of us are first-generation Christians - the first Christ-followers in our family lines. Others come from long lineages of faith.

But what about those second-generation Christians in the early church? Those who never saw Jesus in person but believed through the testimony of others? Their stories reveal something profound: every biography is a potential turning point in God's mission for our planet.

Why Do We Think Our Lives Don't Matter?

When it comes to making a difference, many of us struggle with two limiting beliefs:

• "I don't matter that much" - We compare ourselves to people with bigger platforms, larger followings, or more visible ministries.

• "God doesn't need me" - After all, God is God. What difference could my small life possibly make?

Perhaps you've settled for small thinking or believe no much hangs in the balance of your everyday decisions. But the early church shows us a different perspective.

The Great Commission: A Strategy for Global Impact

In Acts 1:8, Jesus gives his followers a clear mission before ascending to heaven:

"You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witness in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

This wasn't just a suggestion - it was a strategic plan that started in Jerusalem (where they were), expanded to Judea (people like them), then to Samaria (people different from them), and ultimately to the ends of the earth. The fact that we're discussing this today proves their mission succeeded!

When Problems Arise in the Early Church

By Acts 6, the church was growing rapdily, but problems emerged. The Greek-speaking Jewish Christians complained that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food, while the Hebrew-speaking Jewish widows received care.

This reveals something important: the early church wasn't perfect! From the beginning, the church had issues that needed addressing. Every letter in the New Testament was written to fix problems in the early church.

How Did the Apostles Solve the Problem?

The twelve apostles gathered everyone together and said:

"It would not be right for us to neglect the minsitry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and give our attention to prayer and the minsitry of the Word." (Acts 6:2-4)

This wasn't about the apostles being "too good" to serve tables. This was about multiplication of ministry. The apostles recognized they needed to focus on their primary calling while empowering others to serve in different ways.

The Selection of the Seven Deacons

The church selected seven men with Greek names - a brilliant solution to ensure the Greek widows wouldn't be overlooked. Among them was Stephen, described as "a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit."

Notice they didn't:

• Throw the complainers out

• Divide into two congregations

• Shun the unhappy people

• Form a committee to discuss the problem to death

They solved the problem by empowering new leaders.

What Makes Someone Qualified for Ministry?

The qualifications for these seven men are instructive:

• Good Reputation - They were consistent in how they treated all people

• Full of the Spirit - They displayed the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control)

• Full of Wisdom - Not just knowledge, but knowledge put into action

This shows us that practical service is spiritual service when done for God. Just because you're not preaching doesn't mean your ministry isn't vital.

What Gifts Has God Given You?

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12:4, "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them."

What grace has God given you?

• The gift of serving behind the scenes

• The ability to fix things

• Skills in organization or administration

• Financial coordination

• Teaching or leading studies

• Hospitality

• Communication

• Technology

As Martin Luther King Jr. said, "Everybody can be great becasue everybody can serve." Jesus himself taught that "the greatest among you will be the servant of all."

The Impact of Faithful Service

The result of this solution was remarkable:

"The word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith." (Acts 6:7)

Even preists - those who had built their entire identity and careers on the old system - came to faith in Christ. This shows it's never too late to turn to God, regardless of what you've invested your life in previously.

Stephen's Courageous Stand

Stephen's story doesn't end with his appointment as a deacon. Acts 6:8 tells us:

"Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people." (Acts 6:8)

His faithful service led to opposition. When brought before the Sanhedrin on false charges, "all who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel" - radiating perfect peace even in the midst of a storm. (Acts 6:15)

What Happens When You Challenge People's Idols?

Stephen delivered a powerful message recounting Israel's history of rejecting God and God's messengers, culminating in their rejection of Jesus. The religious leaders' response was violent:

"They covered their ears and yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him." (Acts 7:57-58)

As he was being stoned, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit," and "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." Then he died - the first Christian martyr. (Acts 7:59-60)

How Should We View Suffering for Christ?

We love rescue stories in the Bible - Daniel from the lions, the three Hebrews from the fiery furnace, the apostles from prison. But we must also reckon with stories like Stephen's.

2 Timothy 3:12 warns, "All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." How do we avoid persecution? It's simple: just blend in. Act like the world, talk like the world, save your witness for "someday".

But Corrie Ten Boom, who suffered in Nazi concentration camps for hiding Jews, shared wisdom from her father:

"When you take a train to Amsterdam, when do I give you the money for the ticket? Three weeks before? No, I give you the money just before we get on the train. And so it is with God's strength. Today you do not need the strength to be a martyr. But as soon as you're called upon for the honor of facing death for Jesus, he will supply the strength you need - just in time."

Life Application

What can we learn from Stephen's story?

• Don't be afraid of problems - The early church dealt with their issues well.

• Whatever your task, you need the Holy Spirit - Seek to display the fruit of the Spirit in all you do.

• People are watching you - Just as young Saul (later Paul) watched Stephen.

• No assignment from God is small - Strive for excellence and integrity in everything.

If Stephen's life was only about Stephen, then his death might seem wasteful. But his life was about God's mission, and it launched amazing things - including impacting the man who would become the apostle Paul.

This week consider these action steps:

• Seek the Holy Spirit - If you haven't received Christ, invite Him into your life. If you have, seek His guidance for using your gifts.

• Take a risk and serve - Join a ministry, volunteer on Sundays, or participate in a small group.

• Say no to something - Create space in your life for what truly matters.

Ask yourself: Where am I holding back from fully participating in God's mission? What gifts has God given me that I'm not using? How can I display the fruit of the Spirit more consistently in my daily interactions?

Remember, in God's grand story, your biography matters. You matter to God and to His mission, regardless of your generation or background. Your life can be a turning point for good in God's ongoing work in the world.