God's Glory Church

“All believers were together and had everything in common.” — Acts 2:44

As our party approached, my wife and I began to plan for it. Since there will be a lot of people coming, should I just order cooking? If we are going to cook ourselves, should we buy a grill? Given the slight chance of rain that day, should I buy a tent? Our party soon became expensive and even a little antisocial. Trying to provide everything on our own, we lost the opportunity to get help from others.

The biblical vision of community is one that includes both giving and receiving. Even before the fall, Adam already needed help (Gen. 2:18), and we are called to seek advice from others (Prov. 15:22) and share our burdens (Gal. 6:2). The members of the early church “had all things in common,” benefiting from each other’s “goods and possessions” (Acts 2:44-45). Instead of living independently, they shared, borrowed, gave and received in beautiful interdependence.

In the end, we asked guests to bring a salad or dessert to the party. Our neighbors brought a barbecue, and a friend brought his tent. Asking for help allowed us to build closer relationships, and the food that other people prepared added variety to the feast and made us happy. Self-sufficiency can become a source of pride. God gives His grace to those who humbly ask for help (James 4:6).

What prevents you from seeking help? What is something you need right now that you can just borrow instead of buying?

God, thank You for creating us as interdependent creatures. Help me to live humbly, sharing with others both my wealth and my needs.

Author: Sheridan Voysey