I’m puzzled lately by how far off we are in living the ideal form of community so easily understood by the new Christians in the New Testament Book of Acts.
Here’s why….
Acts 4:32-35 (NIV)
The Believers Share Their Possessions
32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all 34 that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.
All the believers were one in heart and mind. Furthering God’s kingdom and the message of Jesus Christ was the goal. Living as Christ taught us was achieved. I’m sure there were spats — we are flesh — but I believe that they took the Word of God as truth and used His teachings to end disputes, choose leaders (leaders didn’t declare themselves in charge), and treat others as they themselves would want to be treated.
No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. Cults/humans have corrupted the word of God. God’s word is easy. If you have placed burdens on yourself and your possessions, this is not of our Lord. The indescribable acts of cult leaders have taken this scripture and bound it with the chains of hell. How awful it must be to walk in to a society hoping for Acts fellowship and living only to be deceived, brainwashed and taken advantage of. Pray for those bamboozled by cults today, that they may know the true heart of God.
And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all 34 that there were no needy persons among them. What????? NO NEEDY???? No homeless on the street???? NO HUNGRY???? They gave to their church family, and the church took care of its own. If you were a follower of Christ in Acts, there was no need among you. Join the fold and all would be forgiven and fine. AMEN!!! Are there people hurting and hungry in our churches today? YES! And, as Christ said, “Feed my sheep.”
For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. Now, I’m not asking you to sell your possessions and give the money to the poor — Jesus will do that (See Luke 18:22). But, what would the church look like if we sold the stuff we didn’t need and gave it to a missionary? A hungry family? The church itself to keep the lights on? Pray today that God will show you the things you no longer need that will serve a purpose in His Kingdom.
God has brought us together in families for a reason. Not just the biological sort, but our church family. Trust your neighbors. Love each other. Know that God is in control. Trust that He has the situation at hand. He is good. Don’t keep your lawnmower to yourself. God heaps blessings on us so we may heap blessings on others.
We own nothing; God owns it all.
In His name,
~Bohemian Christian Chelle
Christ-following Minimalist 