How good and pleasant it is
when brothers live together in harmony!
Psalm 133:1 (HCSB)
Series: Hands and Feet
Years ago, my husband and I were so knit together with our church family that a group of us daydreamed about buying acreage and building houses on that plot of land so we could all live in the same proximity. In this make-believe land, we would share many things—chores, childcare, lawn-care, gardening, meals—and we would still have our own homes to retire to for rest and privacy.
Some would say that sounds like a cult. Maybe. But the foundation of our imaginations was rooted in scripture. Let’s turn to Acts 2:44-47 (HCSB):
Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as anyone had a need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple complex, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with a joyful and humble attitude, praising God and having favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to them those who were being saved.
In the early church, a demonstration of faith included selling individually owned property to contribute to the needs of the entire people. Not a single person in the church community was found to be in need. They worshiped together, ate together, and devoted themselves to the success of each household.
As we read further, Acts 4:34-35 (HCSB) says:
For there was not a needy person among them, because all those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet. This was then distributed for each person’s basic needs.
The overflow, the excess, the surplus, was distributed so each person’s basic needs were met. Oh, what a wonderful world! If only it could be this way.
What are the basic needs of a person? Food, water, shelter. We may add to that medical, emotional, and mental support. That is what the faith community is to provide for one another. To me, this presents a challenge. What can I sell, give away, or donate to help my fellow believers…and even those who do not yet believe? How can I be the hands and feet of Jesus to others with what I currently own?
We do not have to develop or join a commune to supply the needs of others. Right where we are, we can be a blessing to others. Who in your neighborhood can you help? One may need the lawn mowed. Another may need a warm meal delivered. And another may need someone to wait at the bus stop. Perhaps you volunteer in your church. Maybe you serve at the community food pantry. Wherever you are, what can you do today to help supply the needs of those in your community?
In 1 John 3:17 (HCSB), John wrote:
If anyone has this world’s goods and sees his brother in need but closes his eyes to his need—how can God’s love reside in him?
The needs of the people will always abound wherever people are. Let’s face it. We are needy! And, we are in community to be a supply to others. What can you bring? How can you help? What support can you offer?
The answer is simple. We need to look no further than our neighbor, our church, our community. This week, we encourage you to pray and ask God how you can be a supply to those in need. How can you serve others? What can you do to help people in your community?
We, the people of faith, don’t need to develop a private sector of acreage and seclude ourselves from the general public. Instead, let us be the hands and feet of Jesus and infiltrate our communities with service to those in need. That is the very expression of God in us! Let’s share His love in action and fulfill the needs of the people.
Holding Fast to Hope,
Maryann
Scripture References: Psalm 133; Acts 2:44-47, 4:34-35; 1 John 3:17; 1 Timothy 6:17-19
