The community of believers was one in heart and mind. None of them would say, “This is mine!” about any of their possessions, but held everything in common.
Acts 4:32 CEB
Ever catch yourself waxing nostalgic and wishing for the “Good Old days?”
Perhaps it is a song on the radio, or the smell of something baking in the oven, or a pending holiday, or a voice that suddenly triggers those wonderful thoughts of the way things use to be. We all have those thoughts or moments.
Sometimes the good old days come with a price tag. I can buy all kinds of retro cool things. With the right amount of cash you can acquire nearly anything.
Even as a church we find ourselves saying, “I wish things were like they used to be when . . . ____________________”
I am sure as the early church struggled that they often wished for the good old days. After all, their leader had just been crucified. Their followers were now scattered and many had become nothing but cowards. Many from the outside must have thought the Jesus movement was over. Many of the believers probably longed for the days when Jesus was with them. Why yes, those were the good old days!
Something happened . . . The Holy Spirit came and reminded them . . .
They became one in spirit and purpose.
We need this reminder.
We need to be able to remember the past and to apply it in our current situation.
We need to not claim ownership of programs or ideas.
We need to avoid "We have always done it this way!" thinking.
We need to be of one heart - one mind - one spirit.
We will disagree. We will debate. We will argue.
In the end, we need to have a common purpose in mind . . .
Love the Lord you God with all your heart, all your mind, and all your soul.
And love your neighbor as yourself
I think I heard someone say something like that a few years back . . .
Sounds like a good place to start.
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