Key Verse: “Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds, as any had need.” (Acts 2:43-44 CSB)
Part of the blessings of the age in which we live are the amazing resources that are available to us right at our fingertips that help us in grow and progress in our faith in Jesus. We can listen at anytime to podcasts of our favourite preachers. We can live stream worship services from anywhere in the world. We have access to blogs and articles from some of the great Christian minds. It’s pretty amazing, isn’t it?
Yet one of the dangers in all of this is that an individualistic mindset can quickly creep into our faith. We can deceive ourselves into thinking that we are good all on our own, and that we don’t actually need to pursue meaningful Christian community. Yet, nothing could be further from the truth.
The early church did not see themselves merely as individuals, but rather as being part of the whole. They had so much of a community mindset that it led to much selflessness and sacrifice. Their mentality was “what’s mine is yours”. They “held all things in common” (v.43). This community focus was so significant that if anyone within the community was in need, someone would step up and sell a possession or some property in order to meet that need. Amazingly, there wasn’t a single person in their midst who lacked the basic necessities of life. People had a place to live, food to eat, and clothes on their back. And if someone didn’t, someone else would do what was necessary and bring the money to the apostles to care for those in need.
How could they act with such radical selflessness and generosity? It was rooted in a mindset of oneness in Jesus Christ. They saw themselves as members of the family of God. They understood that it wasn’t about them. It was about loving Christ and loving others sacrificially. So they lived out their faith in community not begrudgingly but with “joyful and sincere hearts” (v.46). And God’s favour was on them in all of this, as “every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved” (v.47).
How does this challenge you today? What would it look like for you to take a step deeper into meaningful Christian community?
Prayer: Father, root out of my heart every tendency toward individualism. Help me to love your Church the way you do. May it be my joy to serve and sacrifice for others, so that you would be honoured and praised. Amen.
Author: Jonathan Miller has served in pastoral roles for more than 13 years in churches in Barrie, Oakville and Burlington, Ontario. He currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Prison Fellowship Canada, a ministry that mobilizes and equips local churches to engage in the restorative work of prisoners, ex-prisoners, their families, and victims across Canada. Jon holds degrees from McMaster University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He and his wife Adrienne have been married since 2004, and live in Burlington, Ontario with their 4 children. Jon’s greatest passion is to know Jesus and to see lives transformed by Him and for Him.
