Let Us Work TOGETHER!
Weekly devotional for April 24: A reflection on what we put into community as we live for God and Kingdom.
Devotion
32 Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. 33 With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. 35 They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. — Acts 4:32-35
As I was re-listening to pastor Keith’s sermon on this passage when I was gone, I reheard this scripture anew from his sermon. My mind aligned similarly with his theme, but I had another thought as we enter seasons of ministry together as the church.
It always amazes me how easy it often seems in the Bible. We are not always privy to the behind the scenes conversations that go into a lot of these lifestyles of faith we read about in Acts. Yes, there are times where we read about early church discussions around their life together, but more often than not, we read that “something was happening.”
That is the case in this passage. It seems wholly based on the lifestyle Jesus taught the disciples, and there is no discussion of how they got to this point of agreement as a community.
You have to think there was some dissension…RIGHT????
However, NO, we read they held in common, and the helped one another when they were in need.
Now, I (and this is Pastor Andrew talking) have to believe that there was a level of self-care being practiced by the individuals. Obviously, in many ways they knew their needs would be taken care of. Therefore, they felt comfortable putting into community what they viewed they were getting out of it. Then by extension, because they felt cared for, they had the capabilities to extend that care for others.
All told, those who gathered in this expression of faith committed to be there with and for one another and the community around them. They covenanted to work together.
This is a hugely important quality for our communities. We put into community what we get out, and we do so in different ways based on what we can offer. The point is to recognize the strength of God we have as we come together. What brings us together is the abiding understanding of God’s presence in our life through Christ and the Holy Spirit. What calls us to continue to care for this community and beyond is the desire for that presence, that Spirit to be felt by others.
We come together and work together as a community by the hope and prospect that what we have experienced can be given and shared with others. We use the gifts and talents at our disposal to do so. No one is asked to give more than they are able or willing to part with, but we recognize that all that we have can be used for the glory of God’s Kingdom here at Beech Grove.
The personal inventory that comes from that, assesses all the parts of our lives and all of the gifts and talents we have. Then we consider what we bring to this community. We may think we bring nothing, but in reality, we can have numerous things to give. This all goes beyond money or possessions. Sometimes we have the gift of time. Sometimes our gifts are abilities we have.
All things given and owned could be used for God’s glory. We must only notice how God can use us, those in community with us, and all that is shared as we come together.
Reflection Questions
What gifts do you bring to this community in God’s name?
How are you sharing those gifts and offering those gifts to God and this community to help share in God’s Kingdom work?
Prayer
Holy God, may we be open vessels of your blessing and hope. May we see all the blessings around us and be shown your purpose for them. Me we be bold to proclaim your Spirit and feel its guiding in our lives as we live out your vision. AMEN!!!