Discipleship DNA: Resources
Summary: Rather than “owning” things, they stewarded what was in their hands for the benefit of others.
“No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.
Acts 4:32-34
. . . And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all 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 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.”
God embedded a safeguard in the Church against scarcity. When followers of Jesus care for one another like they did in Acts 4, there will be a significant lack of hunger, sufficient clothing, shelter and running water for individuals and families. Although Acts 4 does not have these specific details listed, we do read that God’s grace was “powerfully at work” in their lives and therefore, “there were no needy persons among them.”
The actions of the early church stemmed from a core view of their resources. Early followers of Jesus considered that what was in their possession belonged to others. Rather than “owning” things, they stewarded what was in their hands for the benefit of others. Also, they didn’t give to others out of their surplus, but liquidated personal land and houses in order to give to those who were in need.
It is exciting to imagine what it would look like today for believers to be open-handed about their resources. When we go grocery shopping, we ask, “What items could I put in my cart that another family might need?” When we notice it’s time for an oil change, we ask, “Who else needs an oil change?” When we purchase a new clothing item, we ask, “Who might need this more than I do?” Perhaps we would purposely keep an envelope of money so when we hear about needs we’d be prepared to help. Maybe we sell something in our possession (whether big or small) to give the proceeds to the Church to distribute to those who need it. Or we purchase the camp fee for a child in our church. Or how about saving up for five new tires for our car instead of four. Eventually, we’d save enough for a whole set of tires to bless another believer!
A radical approach to our resources is a vital aspect of the DNA of a multiplying Church. Just imagine “no needy person” among us! Abundant love like this would impact the unbelievers who are watching.
