Acts 4:32-35
(Use the link below to read the verses.)
What
parent hasn’t told their child in a firm, authoritative voice, “You need to
share with your brother or sister!”? And conversely, what parent hasn’t heard
their child respond in a defiant, angry voice, “It’s mine!”?
Sharing
doesn’t come easy for many of us. In fact, the old adage, “The one who dies with the most toys wins”, would seem to apply to America
as a whole.
For
the most part though, the first century church in Jerusalem didn’t have a
problem with sharing. They pooled their resources so that everybody’s needs
were met. Some even went to the point of selling their property or possessions
and turning the proceeds over to the apostles.
There’s
a familiar verse in Psalm 50 that states, “For
all the animals of the forest are
mine, and I own the cattle on a thousand
hills.” This reminds us that God owns everything. He is the creator and
sustainer of all that was and is and will be. But is that all there is to it?
The
context of Psalm 50 is not that God owns everything, but that His people are
more interested in looking good by making showy displays of religious
righteousness, rather than getting things right in their relationship with God.
It’s the same complaint that Jesus had with the religious leaders of his day.
And if we’re honest, the same issue continues today.
Therefore,
you and I need to answer these questions. Am I the lord of my life, or is
Christ the Lord of my life? How am I using the resources that God has given me;
my time, talent and treasure? Am I helping to meet the needs of those less
fortunate? Or am I in the competition to see who has the most toys?
32 All the believers were one in heart and mind… And God’s grace
was so powerfully at work in them all 34 that there were no
needy persons among them. NIV
The
first century church has set an example for us to follow. The resources that
God has given to us are intended to build His Kingdom; to meet the needs of
others; to share God’s grace. Think of the impact we could have if we were all “one in heart and mind”.
(If
God has spoken to you through this blog, please feel free to share the link
with others.)
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