4 years ago, I lived with a friend who really demonstrated the Acts 2 church. Our house was a place where people could come and hang out, and there was always food in our fridge/pantry incase others were hungry.
At the time, I wasn’t too fond of the Acts 2 church. I had to wake up early for work, and sometimes had trouble sleeping when people were over late. I also rarely ever wanted to leave my food out in fear that someone else might eat something I bought!
I start with this story, because we all have a beginning. I started wanting to have nothing to do with this giving mentality because I rarely benefited from it. But I soon learned, that’s not the point.
Currently, I love everything about the Acts 2 church and my goal is to live like that each day:
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. [Acts? ?2:42-47? ?NIV??]
I was sparked to write this blog during the middle of a packing blog. Why might you ask? Because there are so many repetitive items that my squad brought on the race. Tents/hammocks, outlet adapters, laptops, you name it… almost everyone had one!
To be honest, you only need half that amount. Share with those in need. If you’re bringing a tent for personal space, chances are you won’t even be in it because it’s too hot! But if you do need some space, communicate that with the person you’re sharing it with! And share the load, the same person doesn’t always need to carry it!
What would it look like if we gave away what we didn’t use, and shared our items with others in need. I’ll tell you what it’ll look like… a lot less 65-80 liter packs, and a whole lot more 40 liter daypacks on the WR!
Ask God to help you give up your pride and independence, and share and rely on others. Jesus relied on the woman at the well to give Him water, and look what happened in that story (John 4). Jesus also gave up His life and died for us, so that we could benefit. So we could gain an inheritance that never runs dry (John 3:16)!
Ask God how you can be a blessing to others! We are BLESSED to be a BLESSING 🙂
