From 'Mine' to 'Yours'
And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. Acts 2:44-45
Devotional
One of the first words children learn is "mine." You don't have to teach a toddler to claim ownership. Put two children in a room with one toy and watch what happens. Sharing must be learned because our natural inclination is to hold tightly to what we consider ours.
Devotional
One of the first words children learn is "mine." You don't have to teach a toddler to claim ownership. Put two children in a room with one toy and watch what happens. Sharing must be learned because our natural inclination is to hold tightly to what we consider ours.
Unfortunately, we do not automatically outgrow that tendency. Adults may express it more politely, but we can still organize our lives around acquiring, protecting, and controlling what we possess. Our houses, schedules, savings, abilities, and plans can become closed territories over which we believe we have complete authority.
We organize our lives around acquiring, protecting, and controlling what we possess. Our houses, schedules, savings, abilities, and plans can become closed territories over which we believe we have complete authority.
The believers in Acts 2 displayed a radically different posture. This passage does not mean that every Christian surrenderedall private property or that every possession was placed into one communal account. It means they refused to allow their ownership of something to become more important than another person's need. When a need arose, they made what they
possessed available.
possessed available.
Their belief became a practical decision. It is easy to sing, "Everything I have belongs to You." It is much harder to live those words when God asks us to give something away. Generosity is where our belief that everything belongs to God becomes a practical decision.
The early Church's generosity also grew out of relationship. These weren't anonymous transactions. They worshipedtogether, ate in one another's homes, prayed together, and knew one another's needs. Because they were devoted to one another, they could not comfortably ignore suffering within their community.
God still wants His Church to live that way. When one family is struggling, another family can help. When someone needsgroceries, transportation, encouragement, or prayer, the body of Christ responds. We may not all give the same thing or the same amount, but every believer can cultivate an open heart and open hands. The journey from "mine" to "Yours" is part of becoming more like Jesus.
REFLECT
• Why is it sometimes difficult for me to share what I have?
• Why is it sometimes difficult for me to share what I have?
• When has someone else's generosity met a need in my life?
• What would open-handed living look like for me right now?
TODAY'S STEP
Look for one need you can meet today. It could involve money, a meal, encouragement, transportation, or simply giving
someone your time.
Look for one need you can meet today. It could involve money, a meal, encouragement, transportation, or simply giving
someone your time.
PRAYER
Lord, deliver me from a "mine" mentality. Remind me that every blessing in my life came from Your hand. Give me eyes to recognize the needs around me and a willing heart that responds. Teach me to hold Your blessings loosely so they can flow through my life and bless someone else. In Jesus' name, amen.
Lord, deliver me from a "mine" mentality. Remind me that every blessing in my life came from Your hand. Give me eyes to recognize the needs around me and a willing heart that responds. Teach me to hold Your blessings loosely so they can flow through my life and bless someone else. In Jesus' name, amen.
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