trbccoffeebreak

“And all who believed were together and had all things in common.”  Acts 2:44 (ESV

Don’t know if your vacation is like ours, but the fridge is the happening place. As our group starts to arrive at our beach destination, the once empty fridge  is filled to overflowing. Community food it’s deemed – whether you brought it or not we share it all.  No this is mine and that is yours. We gladly share because it all belongs to all of us.

Wouldn’t it be absolutely wonderful if our world resembled the same mindset every day. Instead of clinging and claiming our stuff only, we’d be more other focused. Rather than seek what serves us best, we’d have a perspective of what serves us all better.

The followers of Jesus who comprised the early church, did this so well. All who placed their faith and trust in Jesus received the gift of the Holy Spirit. Their lives were forever changed, and what exactly did that look like?

• The spiritual fruit produced in them was evident to all by their actions towards one another.
• Their hearts were eager to learn pivotal truths from the word of God.
• They desired to obey and grow in their faith.
• Fellowship (community) quickly developed.
• Believers worshipped together, broke bread together and prayed together.
• Unity tied the knot and empowered them to live out their faith with one another all for the glory of God.

No “me” agenda defined this group of early followers. Those who had plenty willingly shared with those who were in need (Acts 2:45).  An attitude of thankfulness, gratitude and joy characterized their mindset and was reflected in their actions (Acts 2:47). And the beauty unfolded as they shared and demonstrated their faith with others – day by day souls were saved.

Sweet friends, we could really learn a lot by meditating on, praying over and exemplifying the early church in our world today. Disunity often defines us, especially as we approach an election year. Social media offers anyone a platform; we can choose to glorify self and our personal convictions or we can choose to glorify God and draw others to Him. Satan loves division and “self-focus” rather than “other focus.”  Speaking God’s truth with love, gentleness and grace always serves us and others well. How we love others will either draw them in or drive them away (John 13:34-35).

2024 church how are we doing? Do we eagerly seek out opportunities to gather together to learn, grow and worship together? Is our obedience dependent on what works for us or what God commands? Would we rather do life solo or experience the beauty of fellowship designed by our Creator God? What spiritual fruit is exhibited in our lives and evident to all?

Definitely thought provoking and convicting. Regardless of our answers to the above, we can all choose this day to pattern our lives after the early followers of Jesus. To be completely sold out to loving Him, obeying Him and surrendering our lives to the control of the Holy Spirit.

“Father, when we are tempted to be “self-consumed” remind us that You desire for us to be surrendered to the leading of the Holy Spirit who unifies the body of Christ.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life