Drawing a line …
Where do you draw the line?
As a follower of Christ, when you see real needs in the lives of other brothers and sisters in Christ, how far will you go to help meet the need? When you become aware of other needs beyond your sphere of Christian fellowship, what will you do to provide an answer?
If we’re serious about following in the steps of Jesus, those are realistic questions to ask ourselves, ones that we need to have real answers to.
You might find the biblical example of the early church to be a bit intense:
“44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need,” Acts 2:44-45.
What an incredible scene that must have been! Did you notice in verse 44 that it says, “And all the believers met together in one place …” Verse 41 tells us that was about 3,000 people! And when they gathered together, they took care of each other.
How far did they go? Where did they draw the line?
When the needs exceeded the funds available, they simply sold property and possessions “… and shared the money with those in need.” Now that’s an intense commitment to Christ and one another!
Where did such a commitment come from? What was the “primer” for this level of caring?
“42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders,” Acts 2:42-43.
It was a natural expression of what they were learning, of the fellowship they were sharing, and the outcome of prayer.
It seems every day many struggle with how to “do church” in such a way that would be “missional,” “attractional,” and biblical. All we have to do to gain some of those answers is to look at the scripture verses above, and then decide where we draw the line.
Scotty
August 4, 2011 at 2:36 pm
This is a very challenging post. I believe (maybe I hope)that this is in the heart of every believer. I've read this post 3 times and have read these verses in Acts MANY times and I always come away feeling inept….AND convicted.
August 4, 2011 at 2:41 pm
The example of the early church in scripture is very sobering, challenging, and yet an incredible picture of what the church still can be! It starts one Christian at a time making that whole life devotion.
August 4, 2011 at 2:51 pm
It would be wonderful wouldn't it? Would love to see it happen. It is indeed "an incredible picture of what the church still can be!" Your post has me thinking!
August 4, 2011 at 3:03 pm
Then mission accomplished!;) Thankfully, there are some Christians/churches out there living out this example. I've seen elders sell homes (downsize) and give the profit to minister to people, and even greater acts of love and service. We need to be diligent in teaching the biblical truth/example of the church.