//2.11.2006 9:00:37 AM
Acts 2 : 44 - 47
"44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 raising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved."
I work in a multi-national, and therefore, cultural office environment. Even when I travel to customers office and meet with people in my work I meet people from all places. We have weird practices like eating fermented eggs (century egg) and chicken feet. Germans like to eat raw liver and raw pork mince on toast. We have different manners as well. In Japan its a compliment to the chef if you burp loudly, but it is rude if you do it in China...
What struck me was the key verse "And all who believed were together and had all things in common." we had ALL THINGS in common! I subtly noticed this. When I was at the MTE (Men's training event) and when I visit different churches for weddings etc... I realise something... We at least have ONE thing in common. And that is the Holy Trinity. We believe in God, Jesus and that we have the Holy Spirit. We sing similar songs, we praise the same God, we have the same integrity. What struck me the most when I was up at MTE was how orderly and cooperative a group of 400 men where. No fights, rudeness or rowdiness. All were joyful and friendly.
I thought, "Well, this is great!" If only we can be... "raising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved." But I am sadden as I re-count my experiences in church when I was younger. And also talking with fellow christians about the diversity our church have nowadays.
I'm not pointing fingers here. I'm guilty of it as well. I judge too! That's my greatest weakness... We shouldn't be going "us" and "them" among ourselves, but rather have a "us" and "them" attitude towards non-believers! Don't get me wrong... I'm not being a paganist, but rather I fee that with this OUTWARD "us" and "them" attitude we can concentrate on what's really important! And that is to save souls! Change starts from within, and here is my prayer today:
"Dear Father, forgive me for my weakness. I judge others too readily. Please help me stop inducing bickering amongst your children. Let me leave my grudges behind. Create new opportunities for me to share you with "them". Thank you Father for this priviledge to be your child. In Christ name, Amen!"
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