Be Attentive to Your Attention!

 

Acts 6:4 KJV: But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

The early church faced its first major crisis. Rapid growth had brought logistical challenges: widows were being overlooked, and complaints arose. The daily distribution of food wasn’t being handled fairly, putting the church’s reputation at risk. These issues threatened to create division at a time when unity was essential for the church’s survival and growth. With all eyes on the leaders, the pressing question was: what would the Apostles do to resolve this?

Amidst the chaos, the Apostles discerned an important principle: they could not afford to be distracted from essential matters, even by urgent needs. They declared, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables…But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:2, 4). This was not a dismissal of the needs at hand, as evidenced by their solution of appointing seven Spirit-filled and wise men to oversee the operation. Instead, their response highlights a crucial understanding that too many believers overlook today: our attention requires utmost intentionality.

Life has a way of catching us off guard. Without intentionality, we risk reacting to life based on emotions, human strategies, or what seems right at the moment. The Apostles’ decision teaches us an invaluable truth: if we fail to prioritize prayer—the place where life’s issues are truly addressed—we risk becoming distracted, pouring our time into anything and everything that demands our attention. Friends, family, and fellow leaders, let us remember this: we can only pour out what we have first received. If we neglect our spiritual health and connection with God, how can we genuinely serve others? With that in mind, let’s explore a few reasons why we must be intentional about being attentive to our attention.

Attention to Prayer Determines Our Impact

The Apostles’ decision reminds us that what we focus on determines the impact we will have. They recognized their calling was to shepherd the spiritual health of the church. Prayer and the ministry of the Word were not optional or secondary—they were the church’s lifeline. By staying focused on these priorities, the Apostles ensured the continued spread of the gospel and the church’s spiritual growth.

Similarly, in our own lives, it’s easy to prioritize the urgent over the important. Work, family, and even ministry tasks can pull us in multiple directions. While these responsibilities are valid, they should never take us away from cultivating our relationship with God through prayer and living out His Word—this is what sustains us as healthy believers.

Prayer Precedes Purposeful Actions

Through prayer, the Apostles discerned that overseeing food distribution was not their calling. While appointing others to handle this task seemed practical, they didn’t act on practicality alone. Instead, they sought God’s wisdom and appointed the right individuals—those filled with the Spirit and wisdom—to take on the responsibility.

This approach shows that the Apostles never ignored the practical needs of the church but refused to be rushed into decisions without consulting God. Their prayers allowed the church body to function effectively, with each member contributing according to their unique gifts and calling.

We often hear that life is spiritual first, and this story reinforces that truth. To do what is good and right, we must begin with the spiritual—through prayer—before moving to the practical. When distractions take precedence, we lose the spiritual vitality needed to guide our purposeful actions.

A Call to Refocus

Acts 6 challenges us to reflect on where our attention lies. Are we so consumed by busyness that we neglect time in prayer and Scripture? Do we let life’s chaos dictate our focus, or do we guard our time with God intentionally?

Jesus modeled this balance perfectly. Despite having the most demanding ministry imaginable, He consistently withdrew to solitary places to pray and commune with the Father. It was this time with the Father that empowered Him to fulfill His mission on earth.

In a world full of distractions, let us follow the example of the Apostles and Jesus, prioritizing prayer and the Word. By keeping our focus on God, we can navigate life’s challenges with wisdom and grace. Just as the early church thrived when each member fulfilled their role, the body of Christ today flourishes when we align our attention with God’s priorities.

Be attentive to your attention—because your life depends on it!