Everything in Common
All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Acts 2:44-45
Insight
When my husband and I, our two kids, and one dog relocated 650 miles away from our families and our home of 16 years – one we contracted an architect to design just for us – we put a period at the end of a long sentence filled with challenge and triumph. My husband's successful battle for sobriety. The life-saving surgery that allowed my digestive system to function once again. And the bittersweet farewell to all things familiar – the support system of family, friends, and neighbors who had seen us through. From the northeast to the south, coastal instead of mountains, mild winters instead of "snowmaggeden." Where in this new life would we find common ground?
"Mama instincts" kicked in to calm my worried children as they fretted about all the newness they would encounter. I promised I'd do all I could to help them settle in. Still, they wondered and worried, "what will my life look like? Would I find friends and fit in? Would I ever feel at home again?"
As we had never attended church regularly as a family, I couldn't imagine what Port City Church would come to mean to us and for us. So far from home and more seekers than believers, we were reserved, watchful, quiet consumers. Did we fit in? Were we "church goers" now? Did that label fit? Did we feel that sense of belonging in this new place?
We understand today that our identity in Jesus is the singular defining label that shapes everything else. Our common threads found in the way a compassionate creator designs us. Our pull towards people and relationships. The longing to live in community with mission and purpose. The lure of connecting with other believers, a shared and singular focus to be the reflection and image of the Love of Jesus. Consider the early group of believers in Jerusalem shortly after the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus referenced in the passage from Acts. Many of these early converts were Jews in Jerusalem for Pentecost, visitors from other lands many miles from home speaking different languages.
Though they were far from home, they shared on a day the Lord designated; they witnessed the "pouring out of Spirit" as prophesized in Joel, which led so many to repentance and baptism. Scripture tells us their numbers swelled by three thousand. Practically in an instant, they experienced an unrivaled fellowship. United in their devotion to the teaching of the apostles' and prayer with one another was the "everything in common" that neither nationality nor past sin could undermine. That they "sold their property and possessions" tells us that God so filled them with the Love of the Spirit that their hearts overflowed with generosity, charity, and grace extended to one another. They recognized the treasures in heaven mattered far more than their earthly possessions. This tender generosity is an example for us all.
Pastor Tim Keller reminds us, "A common vision can unite people of very different temperaments." What, then, is our meaningful takeaway? That the foundation of our unity, the most critical label we wear, and the "who" we are as believers, as the church, is `definitively shaped by love which is Jesus. And so, we strive to steward wisely and generously as a reflection of God, the source of all goodness.
Reflection
Is there a label you wear that keeps you feeling like an outsider? How can you unburden yourself to the Lord and take your fellowship to the next level?
How can you find a meaningful commonality with someone you've been hesitant to approach?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, heal and align my heart with you. Help me to be gracious, loving, and generous with those around me. Help me understand that my actions are not to absolve guilt, gain favor or boost my pride but to be an overflow of Your great love, Your generous grace, and Your tender mercy. Please continue, Father, to open my ears to Your whispers so that I can find myself in You and share the hope that only You can offer. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Port City writer Paula Argenio wrote today's devotional.