Devotional - Acts 4:32-35

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.  With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.  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.  They laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. (Acts 4;32-35)

There is a gentleman in my church named Scott.  I think many churches have a scott – he’s an ever-present volunteer, a lay person who works in the church making repairs, gathering food for the food pantry, working on the backpack ministry, cooking in the kitchen, working with the United Methodist Men, reading scripture – Scott is involved in practically everything.  He’s a quiet presence, but he is always present.  When we are having an involved discussion in Sunday school, Scott’s answer to the question – whatever the question is – is “Love God – love your neighbor.”  This is what Scott believes, and I know that not only because of what he says, but because of what he does.

His actions reflect his belief.

Our scripture this evening is from Acts – the very beginnings of the church, and these verses describe that early church.  The passage begins, “Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul,”

What did they believe?  They were followers of Christ – probably not called Christians yet – but they believed in Christ, and they trying to live lives as disciples.  A disciple learns from the master, and their master, and those who taught in their master’s place, taught to Love God and love your neighbor.

Those who saw the early church may not ever have heard of Jesus – but they saw the evidence of what Jesus had taught by the actions of his church – The church preached of Christ’s resurrection, and they made sure no one was needy.  They loved God and they loved each other.  They loved their neighbor.

And we know the rest of the story – the church grew.  More people came to follow Christ and to live as Christ taught.

Sometimes, I think, when we are worried about church membership, we plan new and exciting programming.  When we are worried about church finances, we talk about how many bills there are to pay.  When we are worried that youth aren’t attending youth events, and children aren’t in VBS, we nag parents and bring guilt upon them. 

When, really, we aren’t following programming or bill-paying.  We aren’t called to live lives of guilt and worry.  We are called to follow Christ.  And when we do that – when we love God and love each other – the rest will take care of itself.  When we know WHY we are a church – and we tell others WHY we believe in Christ, then that is what calls others to join us.

Prayer:

Creating, loving, God, help us to remember that we are a church, created to love you and to love each other.  This is the WHY of what we do.  Help us to remember that as we do the work you have given us.  Inhabit our conversations and thoughts this evening, thank you for bringing us together, and create in us a commonality of purpose, reminding us of the WHY of what we do.  In your son’s name, Amen.