How many times have you heard the phrase, “I am just going to take my ball and go home!” We quickly think about a children’s playground where when something doesn’t go a child’s way, they pick up their ball and walk home pouting. Unfortunately, however, this analogy oftentimes is used to describe the workplace, not an actual recess time at an elementary school, where adults may act more like children if they don’t get their way or if they don’t want to share among their wider group of peers.
In Acts 4 we are reminded of a time when “The community of believers was of one heart and one mind and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common.” It seems nearly impossible to consider a society that truly is united when in today’s world we witness examples of such great division, greed, and selfishness. How powerful it is to be reminded that the unity of the people was the attribute that resulted in every need being met. The early Christians were united in their faith and devotion to God. This passage illustrates how the entire community of believers came together to support one another, and that together, they were greater than the sum of their individual parts.
Earlier in Acts 2:42 we hear this also. "They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching, and to the fellowship, and to the breaking of bread, and to prayer." They were not focused on individual needs or desires, but on the needs of the community as a whole. That is the definition of true Christian community, centered on the saving message of Christ crucified.
This Easter season we celebrate Jesus who has defeated sin, death, and the power of the devil. Surely as Christ overcame death, we too can work to overcome the selfishness, pettiness, and disunity in our world today. Just like the individuals in Acts 4, we have needs. The way God provides for those needs is through the living, breathing body of the risen Christ, and the grace he gives us. If the living God can raise Jesus back to life, He most certainly can unite the hearts and minds of followers of Jesus in his grace and love! No one needs to take their ball and go home as we share in the victory of salvation.
May the good Lord, help us deny our selfishness, greed, and pride. May he help us step out and share his love with a will and devotion to uniting our community. We ask for boldness and courage from the Holy Spirit so, like the apostles, we too won’t be able to stop talking about his atoning life, death, and resurrection.
Sources
1.Acts for Everyone – Tom Wright
3. The Message of Acts – John Stott