Scripture

Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. Acts 4:32

Observation

This snapshot into the life of the New Testament church is a powerful reflection of Jesus’ prayer in John 17. Moments before Jesus would be betrayed and handed over to those who sought His life, He prayed for unity among His followers, “that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us,” (John 17:21). These early Christians understood this central teaching of Jesus; to live a selfless, others-centered life that would glorify God and demonstrate His love to the the world around them.

Application

Sometimes, amidst the pursuit of things and the myth of ownership, we can loose sight of the fact that everything that we have at the moment really belongs to God. Psalm 24:1 says, “The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein.” God owns it all and entrusts the management of it to us. Every resource, whether time, energy, finances, possessions, or any other thing is entrusted to us by God to be used for His purposes. We are, in other words, blessed to be a blessing.

Prayer

Father, thank You for Your abundant blessing in my life! Give me the heart of a good steward, to hold with open hands all that You have trusted me with. Help me today to live with wisdom and insight, but mostly with generosity as I manage Your resources. Let it be to Your glory and purpose, not mine. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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