Today's Devotion

December 2, 2010

One Spirit One Soul

Today we read about real unity of Spirit. As individuals focus on a common goal, individualism disappears. This great expression of love should be practiced by believers of every era. The methodology might change, but the motive should remain the same.

“Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid [them] at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.” (Acts 4:32-35 NKJV)

In the day that these believers sold everything to be used for the common good of all, becoming a Christian meant losing almost everything. Their profession would exclude them from synagogue life which was not only the spiritual hub in their society but also the financial.

However, even more pressing was the large numbers who had been saved and told to remain in Jerusalem until the Lord sent them out (Acts 1:4, 8). By this time there had been at least two major conversions totaling at least 8000 people. The church had a crisis situation, and they rallied together.

While there are always those in need, and the Church does its part well in most cases, the real rallying point today is the Gospel of Christ. Our love for others should motivate us to do what is required to minister to the needs of the lost. Wherever food or monies are needed, we must do our part to help. To do otherwise is to have not love.

You must decide what that means to you, but love should be the governing motive. That doesn’t mean wisdom is to be thrown out the window. There are many evil men with evil motives seeking to profit from the goodwill of others.

That is why the local church is probably the best place to invest in the Kingdom of God. As a group of believers the local church can do much to advance the Gospel. Also, the collective wisdom of the church may help to see that the resources are best used.

It is my prayer that the church would rally to the needs of people. Build your buildings if it helps, but let’s never build a building at the expense of lost souls. If missionaries are willing to go preach the word, let us support them first. I know there are benefits to having multi-purpose buildings, and larger places to worship, but the great commission mandates we go! Buildings don’t go very well; people do!