When Did “Mine” Become More Important?
The community of believers was of one heart and mind,
and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own,
but they had everything in common. (Acts 4:32)
The first word out of most babies mouths? “Mommy”
The second word? “No”
The third word? “Mine!”
Or pretty close to that, at least.
It seems, from a very early age, that our human nature takes us down the road to selfishness. We want everything we see. If someone has something that we do not have, we develop an incredible urging to have it as well: the keep-us-with-the-Jones’ syndrome. Some people go to great lengths to have what belongs to others, even if it means stealing from another in order to have sole possession of an item.
Human nature calls us to selfishness.
Jesus calls us to selflessness.
Today’s reading opens up with the reminder that “the community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common.” What a wonderful way to live.
When we look out for the needs of another and place their need over our own need or desire, we show ourselves to be followers of Jesus. For, after all, Jesus put the needs of His people first, even to the point of death on the cross.
God calls us to faithfulness. We hear that quite often. We can even agree with that statement. It becomes a bit uncomfortable, however, when we realize that “faithfulness” means serving the needs of others, even placing the needs of others ahead of our own.
Let us live as God’s people today.
FAITH ACTION: Does somebody need something from us? Let us do all that we can to provide for their need today.