Acts 2: 42-47 (NRSV) "All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need." (v. 44).

So, can you imagine literally doing, what the earliest of Christian communities did? Humor me a minute, please. Is giving all I possess to those 'without' what my faith asks of me? Having been nurtured and reared in western and capitalist culture it's almost 180 degrees opposite thinking to: "give everything I own to the poor" (1Cor.13:3a - MSG). I cannot quite get my head around relinquishing to others, who haven't wisely done similarly.

Those early Jerusalem followers of Jesus' ways knew to share all they had and help their spiritual family in every way possible, so as to benefit from God's gifts. I'm so tempted to isolate and enjoy my little piece of utopia (or wealth), rather than acting on my core belief that my contribution to God's family multiplies exponentially to benefit both self and community.

That said, my moving toward my beliefs more closely aligning with my life's action, I'm willing to progress toward 'everything I own', though not perfectly. The trick for me will be to be content that I'm heading in a good direction with my Church-family. Also, due to my lack of inclination to blatantly promote, I'm of the ilk that a healthy Christian community draws people to Christ.

My prayer is that despite our recent praising God, sharing meals and taking the Lord's Supper in our homes like those first Christians, that we can gather and enjoy Worship and the goodwill of all our people, asap!

God's blessing on you each & His peace, your Deacons