No one in need - Daily Devotional October 27th 2009

Daily Bible Reading - 2 Chronicles 24, Daniel 5, Acts 3-4

No one in need

As we read through the book of Acts it is clear what Jesus wanted the New Testament Church to look like and it is clear to see just how powerful and influential it was. From people getting saved, miracles happening and the cities leaders taking notice the Church. Much of the success of the early church I believe can be attributed to what it says in Acts 4:32, "Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common". This verse shows that the heart of the church should be one of unity and humility. Not only did this heart give them power and influence but there was also no lack amongst the believers.

Not lacking anything in today's economy may sound like a miracle but look what happens when the Church lives like the community Jesus intended us to live like. Acts 4:34-35, "There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need". So humble and in unity was the Church that they cared more about the well being of others than they did about the accumulation of their own goods. The church was such a powerful tool of meeting the needs in the community that people literally laid their possessions down at the feet of the leaders of the church. They did not take it to banks, the government or some non-profit organization but to the church and because of this their was no one in need.

Many believers see this principle and wonder what has happened. Why is the church no longer seen like this? Why are people leary at times of giving their tithes and offerings let alone giving everything they have to the church. To me it all gets back to leadership and the heartbeat of the church. In Acts 4 before it shows the glorious church and how no one was in need it shows the character of the church. It shows the church in UNITY, they "were of one heart, and soul". It also shows the church in HUMILITY, "and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own". When people see humility and unity at the heart of the church they see the heart of God and when people see the heart of God it is easy to give everything.

As I read this passage today I understand that it all starts with one, it starts with me and it starts with you. It is easy at times to sit back and wonder what has happened to the church and why there are so many needs represented. It is much more difficult to realize that I am that church and if I really want to get back to a place where no one is in need and have all things in common, I must humble myself and walk in unity with my fellow believers no matter what denomination our affiliation. This is a work in progress in my life but it is in progress, how about you?

Tomorrows Bible Reading - 2 Chronicles 25, Daniel 6, Acts 5-6

Dream Big
Ben