Joshua 16-17

Two groups pled for a fair allotment among the lands divvied out after the conquest.  The daughters of Zelophehad sought the land promised by the LORD during the time of Moses.  The sons of Joseph needed more land because of their number.  Behind these requests was more than a mere collective selfishness.  Possession and protection of the land was a divine responsibility and mission.  

As the church of the living God, we each have been gifted with special abilities which enable us to carry out our responsibilities.  It is only fair that those gifted with certain gifts should have more responsibilities, and those gifted in other areas should have less.  In some churches, leadership and responsibility is passed along on another basis.  Popularity and doctrinal agreement are two criteria often used to bypass fair allotment.

LORD, help us to keep your mission in mind when choosing those who lead us.