Believers Shared

          OK back on track here today with my devotionals.  Today’s readings are out of Acts 4.  The particular point of interest to me was the last part of that chapter where it talks about the believers sharing their possessions.  

Acts 4:32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.  33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God's grace was so powerfully at work in them all  34 that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales  35 and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.

In comparison to what we do as believers today it is quiet pathetic, myself included.  I mean these people were selling their homes and land just to give it to the disciples so they could distribute it fairly between all the other believers.  OK today that might not be so practical for us to do since a lot of us have families that we are trying to keep a roof over their heads and shoes on their feet, but compared to other countries especially third world countries we are living a life of luxury. 

          So then how is it we respond to fellow believers and our church?  How many of us even tithe properly?  What would it be like if anyone that belonged to the church never had to worry about finances again and everyone shared in the wealth?  What would it be like if the church never had to worry about not having enough room for people to join in all that is offered?  What would it be like if we all honored God and what He would want us to do?  What would that church look like?

          The sad fact is that is probably not realistic thinking in today’s society.  People work hard for what they have and are not as apt to turn it over to a church body to do with as they please.  As a society in America today we are selfish even if we refuse to admit that.  As Christians we are to be set apart and be an example.  Why don’t we start by being examples to other fellow Christians and then to the world.