HEAR the Word Wednesday – November 19, 2008
All the believers were of one heart and mind, and they felt that what they owned was not their own; they shared everything they had. And the apostles gave powerful witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great favor was upon them all. There was no poverty among them, because people who owned land or houses sold them and brought the money to the apostles to give to others in need. For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles for those in need.
Acts 4:32-37
I love America. I love American culture. One thing I hate about America… and I’ll admit, myself… Individualistic Materialism. As I read this passage in Acts, I am always deeply convicted of how often I think about buying or acquiring things for myself and my own wants (not needs), rather than looking out for the needs of others. What really gets me, is when I begin to ask myself, as I’m looking at purchasing some new toy for me or my family, “How am I helping the least, the last, and the lost? Is this item/thing, really going to make me happier, or could I be just as happy without, and give to someone else in need?” This is my ongoing struggle, and I have no good solution except to read, and re-read this passage in Acts.
I think Paul lays it out pretty clearly as to what God calls us to do, especially in these tough financial times.
The need is great, my wants are petty.
In Christ,
Rob “Trane” Mohrweis
