Acts 4:32-37 One Heart and Mind

Acts 4:32-37 NIV
"All the believers were one in heart and mind." Wow! That would be awesome! United in the Body of Christ, they shared everything they had and there was no one needy among them. Just amazing that people should share and give so freely.  There was no need for government programs there. Neighbors took care of neighbors who could not take care of themselves. It worked, not because some gave to those who had nothing; but, because everyone worked with one mind in Christ for the Good of all, for the glory of God.

Everyone had something to give and everyone had something to contribute; whether it be in time, talents, gifts of the spirit, or material things. There could no sloths in this group of Christians; there could be no hold-outs. Everyone freely shared what they had with one another for the glory of God.

I'm not sure when all this total sharing ended. But, I imagine it ended because the human hearts have such a difficult time doing good for our neighbors if it means that we might have to live with a little less "stuff." This kind of communal living can only work when we are of one heart and mind in Christ.

May God help us to live reconciled to God in Christ Jesus and with one another; living and serving with one heart and mind.

God's Peace - Pr. J

John 12:23-36 The Way Is Not A Path of Luxury

John 12:23-36 NIV
Hard times are sometimes associated with the sins of a person. However, the reading today reminds us that we should follow Jesus and that way includes through hard times. We are to follow in his footsteps; footsteps that led him to be lifted up on the cross. The Way is not always easy. It is not, as some would have us believe, a life of luxury and ease. It is a life in which we may often have to remind ourselves; lest we forget, of the hard road which Jesus endured before and for us. Yet, he was willing to be persecuted, suffer, and die that we might live eternal life in our Father's presence. A life lived following Christ is indeed abundant; but, not necessarily, in riches of the earth. It overflows not with material gifts; rather, with the gifts of the spirit.

We usually suffer hard times (consequences) in this world for the sins we commit against others. But, hard times are not necessarily evidence that one has sinned. Jesus said: "Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be." (vss.25-26)

The path which Jesus walked before us and for us included pain, suffering and death. May God help us to remember, the next time we're tempted to complain about the minor hardships of life, that the path which Jesus leads us on is a path to death to things of this world and ultimately to eternal life in our Father's presence.

God's Peace - Pr. J