Good morning! I hope you had a great weekend.
One of the things seen in the early church was a living example of Christian community. Acts chapter 2 describes this community life very vividly:
Acts 2:44-47 (NASB)
44 And all those who had believed were together, and had all things in common;
45 and they began selling their property and possessions, and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.
46 And day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,
47 praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.
44 And all those who had believed were together, and had all things in common;
45 and they began selling their property and possessions, and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.
46 And day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,
47 praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Today in America this idea seems very foreign to us. We have moved from deep interactive personal relationships to a very surface level interaction with others. We have made our ideal a setting in which we push a button to open our garage door as we leave in the morning and we push that same button again as we pull back into our garage at night. We now are able to spend years in a neighborhood without ever truly getting to know our neighbors. As time has gone on, we have begun to see the erosion of this spirit of community. There are times that we see glimpses of it, especially in the wake of disaster.
Today I want to give you a simple formula found in the above passage that will help you establish community in your own life and sphere of influence. The first thing visible is the idea expressed in Jesus' command to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Take a look at the needs of those closest to you. Does your neighbor need their yard mowed? Have you seen them under the hood of the car this week? Has your neighbor lost their job? These are all opportunities for you to show love and kindness to those around you. These may also be opportunities to be God's source of provision during a time of need, as He enables you.
Secondarily, the community of the early church worshiped together. They shared the commonality of their faith. Not everyone will hold to the same beliefs as you, but there are many who do. Find those individuals and begin to walk out your faith journey with them. Worship together, study together and pray together.
Lastly, the community broke bread together. The dining room table is the place of greatest relational contact within your home. It is the place where our deeper conversations take place. That is why a business person takes their client to lunch or dinner. It is a place where extended conversation can occur. This week I would encourage you to invite someone into your home to share a meal. You will find that your life is enriched by their presence.
This week I hope that you will seek to build community in the places that God has placed you.
Until next Monday, may God's richest blessings be yours this week.
Carl
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